MNA � Iran�s parliament speaker said Sat. that Iran has constructive relations with African countries in different fields, particularly with Mali, and has always been supportive of African countries� independence.


Ali Larijani made the remarks in a meeting on Saturday with Malian counterpart Issaka Sidib�.

During the meeting, Iranian official stated that the Malian officials'�trips to Iran could help boost bilateral cooperation. �Currently, the countries enjoy excellent parliamentary and political relations and we hope to expand our economic ties as well� he added.

Larijani further said that the representative of the two nations can identify the basis for cooperation in scientific, economic and cultural areas and determine the necessary actions to be taken by the two sides.

Mail�s parliament speaker, for his part, said �the nations enjoy an authentic friendship and we are willing to outline a new framework for further cooperation, as soon as possible.�

Issaka Sidib� pronounced African countries� interest in furthering relations with Iran, adding that they intend to travel to this country in order to get better acquainted with the people and culture of Iran.

The African official stressed that they would do their best to advance economic relations with Iran, and voiced optimism that Mali would import Iranian products.

It�s worth noting that Issaka Sidib� was the chairman of the 38th meeting of the PUIC Executive Committee held Saturday morning in Tehran.