VP Aref, President Bashir discuss Iran-Sudan “strategic” ties

JAKARTA, Apr 22, 2005 (IRNA) — Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref here on Friday discussed issues of mutual interest with Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (L) is welcomed by his Sudanese counterpart Omar Hassan al-Bashir (R) upon his arrival at Khartoum International Airport Oct 4, 2004.

Aref, who was meeting President Bashir on the sidelines of Asia-Africa summit, described Iran-Sudan relations as strategic, and said the two countries should try to diversify ties in all areas.

He said Tehran attaches a great significance to the expansion of relations with African countries and that Sudan has an important standing in Iran’s plans to that effect.

Aref said Iran’s experience and expertise had largely progressed in several areas after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, adding that Tehran is ready to export technical and engineering services to Sudan.

Bashir, for his part, described Iran-Sudan relations as good, stressing that relations between the two countries would benefit the interests of the Muslim world.

He then highlighted the need for all Islamic countries to boost cooperation in resolving the crises of the Middle East particularly those happening in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan.

Bashir went on to say that Sudan will need Iran’s technical and scientific assistance to further promote its development.