Iran, Cameroon Explore Bolstering of Relations

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s visiting Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohammad Ali Hosseini met with Cameroon’s first Vice President of the National Assembly Hon. Hilarion Etong in Yaounde on Wednesday.

Top on the agenda for discussions were avenues to improve existing ties and cooperation between Iran and Cameroon.

Hosseini said Cameroon’s timber, oil and other primary products currently being exported to his country are proof of existing friendly ties but with enhanced cooperation, Iran should assist Cameroon in the exploration and exploitation of crude oil.

He said assistance from Iran shall also extend to other domains like technology, education, health and agriculture

Relations between Iran and Cameroon were first established in 1998, though both countries have their diplomatic representations residing out of the countries.

Speaking to the reporters following the meeting, Hosseini said an Iran-Cameroon Friendship Group has been created at Iran’s Consultative Assembly to foster cooperation between the parliaments of both countries.

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister also met with Cameroon’s Foreign Minister on Tuesday where, he called for enhancing level of ties with the African states including Cameroon.

Hosseini said that Iran attaches importance to expansion of ties with the African countries and Cameroon as well, adding that Tehran-Yaounde cooperation should further develop.

He reviewed potentials of Iran and Cameroon for cooperation in energy field as well as car-making and dam and road construction projects.

Referring to presence of some Iranian companies in Cameroon, Hosseini called for the private sectors from the two countries to expand cooperation.

According to Tehran Times, he said that Iran and Cameroon as member states of South-South Cooperation, Non Aligned Movement and Organization of the Islamic Conference, would cooperate in the international organizations as well.

Hosseini hoped that the visit of Cameroonian senior officials to Iran in future will pave the way for boosting cooperation.

The Cameroonian foreign minister said for his part that his country is keen on mutual relations.