FM Slams Sanctions on Mali, Heads to Tanzania
BAMAKO (Dispatches) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian here Wednesday denounced foreign sanctions against Mali.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop, the Iranian minister said experience has shown that the policy of imposing sanctions against other nations is futile.
He also said foreign interference in the internal affairs of Mali and support for terrorist groups will only complicate insecurity in the region and lead to instability in Mali.
Amir-Abdollahian touched on Iran plans to broaden economic, defense and educational cooperation with Bamako, expressing hope that an Iranian exhibition of scientific and industrial products would be established in Mali.
Cooperation between Iran and Mali in the international arenas is among the major fields of cooperation between the two nations, he added.
Heading a high-ranking economic delegation comprised of representatives from the private and state-run sectors of Iran, Amir-Abdollahian has embarked on a tour of Africa that took him to Tanzania Wednesday. He is also to visit Zanzibar.
On Tuesday, Mali’s interim president lauded Iran for its political and economic achievements under sanctions, saying his country is inspired by Tehran in its resolve to withstand the excessive demands of foreign governments.
Colonel Assimi Goita said the Islamic Republic is a role model for Mali. He lauded Iran’s economic and scientific progress, calling for the promotion of economic, trade and scientific cooperation with the Islamic Republic and voicing Mali’s readiness to host Iranian industries and business people.
For his part, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is determined to broaden cooperation with Mali in various areas, such as economy, trade, defense, science and technology.
He touched on Iran’s experiences in battling terrorist groups in the region, such as Daesh and praised Mali for its fight against terrorism.
Despite being hit with large-scale cruel sanctions, the Iranian nation has managed to protect its political independence and make economic and scientific progress, the foreign minister added.