Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Iran's readiness to enhance its comprehensive ties with African countries, emphasizing the sharing of achievements across healthcare, trade, industry, agriculture, security, and peace sectors. This announcement was made at the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference held in Tehran on Sunday.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the conference aims to strengthen economic relations between Iran and Africa, bringing together representatives from over 50 African countries, including heads of chambers of commerce. Key Iranian figures such as First Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Aref and Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade Mohammad Atabak were also in attendance. The conference features four specialized panels at the ministerial level, focusing on sectors like petrochemicals, mining and metal industries, agriculture and food industries, as well as health and pharmaceuticals.

The conference is scheduled to run in Tehran from April 27 to 29, with subsequent sessions in Isfahan from April 30 to May 1. Additionally, African delegates are set to visit the Iran Expo 2025 in Tehran from April 28 to May 2, an event expected to attract over 2,500 traders, economic directors, and heads of chambers of commerce from more than 100 countries.

During the opening ceremony, Aref highlighted Iran's long-standing engagement with African nations, grounded in principles of justice, dignity, and shared historical relations. He noted that Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has underscored the importance of enhancing ties with Africa, and the Pezeshkian administration is committed to expanding these partnerships.

Iran is equipped with vast resources in oil, gas, and minerals, coupled with expertise and technology, Aref stated. He emphasized that Iran's intent is not domination but fostering collaborative and brotherly partnerships with African countries.

Separately, Atabak highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration between Iran and Africa, advocating for a tenfold increase in trade exchanges. He noted that the current Iran-Africa trade accounts for only 3% of Iran's exports and 1% of its imports, amounting to approximately 800 million dollars.