Iran and Sudan stand together against western pressures – Ahmadinejad

September 26, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan and Iran vowed to strengthen the join political and economic cooperation as the Iranian president reiterated thei determination to face international pressures particularly form western countries.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, met on Monday with his Sudanese counterpart after arriving during the first hours of the morning to Khartoum from New York where he attended the UN General Assembly and after a short stop in Mauritania.

Ahmadinejad’s speech at the UN general Assembly prompted a walkout of US and European delegations as he slammed the West for its support to the “Zionism and Imperialism”. He further denounced the “undemocratic and unjust governance structures of the decision-making bodies in international economic and political fields”, stressing that capitalism was on the verge of death.

After a meeting with President Bashir on Monday, Ahmadinejad stated that “Iran and Sudan will stand together as defenders of the Islamic world and the independence of the region”.

“Both countries are facing pressure from the colonialists, who want to impose things that affect our people negatively. They are trying to apply pressure on independent states, because they don’t want them to be strong,” he further said.

The two countries are facing economic sanctions from the US and Europe because of Iranian nuclear programme and Sudan’s war crimes in Darfur. Both also are considered by Washington besides Cuba and Syria as sponsors of terrorism.

In a speech delivered before a crowd of youths, and supporters at the Friendship Hall, in Khartoum, the Iranian president criticized the United States and Europe for taking for riches of the black continent.

“They stole the riches of Africa,” he said, adding “despite this wealth, we see poverty and deprivation”.

Speaking to the press before the departure of President Ahmadinejad, Bashir said the relations between the two friendly countries is founded on sincere and honest cooperation.

In a final communiqué released at the end of bilateral talks, the two countries pledged to develop the bilateral relations particularly in the economic, industrial and technological fields. Tehran also declared its readiness to transfer its experience in the scientific and industrial sectors; particularly technical and engineering services in order to improve Sudan’s infrastructure.

The two countries sealed a number of agreements and protocol to develop their economic and military cooperation. Bilateral committees meet annually to discuss issues of concerns.

Sudan is hit by inflation and where is a dire need for hard currency. The country lost 75 percent of its income from oil revenue after the secession of South Sudan.

(ST)