Zarif sets off on four-leg West Africa tour

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has left Tehran on a four-nation tour of West Africa to discuss possible ways of expanding relations.

According to the reports, heading a politico-economic delegation, Zarif left Tehran for the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday on the first leg of his tour which will also take him to Ghana, Guinea-Conakry and Mali.

During his six-day visit, the Iranian minister is to hold talks with senior officials of the four African countries and also take part in meetings with businesspeople.

Zarif has already paid two official visits to Africa.

Iran already has a significant presence in agricultural and economic projects in some African countries and has been a major contributor to humanitarian missions across the continent over the past years.

Iran's active diplomacy in Africa has been construed as a sign of the country's willingness to engage deeper in Africa's political and economic equations; a move that can secure the country’s foothold in the region following the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program.

SS