The Cradle, August 24 2022 — Malian officials praised Iran for providing aid that ‘does not seek superiority, and seeks the interests of Africans’
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with the interim President of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, late on 23 August as the two nations seek to boost bilateral relations.
Amir-Abdollahian expressed Tehran’s determination to develop cooperation with Bamako and praised the nation’s struggles against terror groups, highlighting Iran’s experience in the successful fight against ISIS.
For his part, Goïta emphasized his nation’s readiness to host Iranian industrialists and entrepreneurs.
Earlier in the day, Iran’s top diplomat took part in the first Iran-Mali joint economic commission with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop.
After unveiling special plans to promote economic cooperation with the West African nation, Amir-Abdollahian took aim at the “failure” of western sanctions imposed on sovereign nations.
“The West’s nonsensical sanctions policy has failed, and nations will move forward with perseverance, stability, and self-confidence,” Amir-Abdolahian said.
He also called on Malian authorities to take advantage of Tehran’s accumulated experience in the field of countering western sanctions.
“Iran attaches great importance to the development of relations with the important and beautiful African continent. The new Iranian government of President Raisi places special emphasis on prioritizing the relationship with Africa, especially with a historical and civilized country like the Republic of Mali,” the Iranian foreign minister affirmed.
For his part, the Malian foreign minister praised Raisi’s commitment to Africa.
“Many countries are interested in Africa for their own interests, but Iran’s choice is different. Iran’s choice is not for political purposes and does not seek superiority, and seeks the interests of Africans,” Diop said.
At the conclusion of their meeting, Amir-Abdollahian announced that the Islamic Republic would donate one million doses of its homemade COVID-19 vaccine to Mali.
Leading a high-ranking economic delegation, Amir-Abdollahian embarked on a tour of Africa on 23 August. Starting with Mali, he is also set to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar.