Iran, Zanzibar Seek to Cement Ties

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran and Zanzibar agreed to set up a joint commission for cooperation in various fields.

Iran’s deputy ambassador to Zanzibar Sultan Ahmad made the remarks in an interview in Dar es Salaam yesterday, when referring to Zanzibar president’s recent official visit to Iran.

He said the move was a step towards enhancing relations between the two countries and has further cemented the economic and cultural relations.

Karume, the first lady Mama Shadiya Karume and the Zanzibar government officials were on a six-day official visit to the Islamic Republic which ended last week.

“Iran’s relations with Zanzibar have roots in the two nations’ cultures, beliefs, and histories, which is why we enjoy strong bilateral ties that can be expanded further with the efforts on both sides,” Sultan noted.

“Keeping in mind such historic experiences, we need to build our countries with each other’s help and by relying on our own people’s hard work and perseverance,” he said.

According to him pressure imposed by the hegemonic powers have indeed created a unique opportunity for the Iranian people to make significant progress in the scientific, technological, industrial, commercial, and agricultural spheres.

He said while in Iran, president Karume and his entourage met the Islamic Republic’s first Vice-President Parviz Davoudi and exchanged experiences between the two states where bilateral issues were also discussed.

He added that among the engagements were that Iranian experts would help Zanzibar further develop in all areas of the economy, including education and agriculture.

President Karume also met the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and several other senior officials during his official visit.

“Zanzibar needs Iranian instructors for cooperation in the field of basic sciences and that remote and electronic education greatly helps reduce educational costs,” the envoy said.

He said the two countries could cooperate in many fields such as agriculture, industries and art and that Iran’s collaboration is of high significance to Zanzibar.

The diplomat further voiced Iran’s preparedness to dispatch instructors to Zanzibar and establish a Persian language department in one of Zanzibar universities.