Ahmadinejad visit will boost ties with Kenya: deputy FM
Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Kenya will pave the way for increased cooperation between the two countries, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Sheikholeslam said on Friday in Nairobi.

In a meeting with Kenyan Vice President Stephene Kalonzo Musyoka, he stated that there has been substantial improvement in Tehran-Nairobi relations.

Iranian companies are currently implementing road and power plant projects in Kenya and are interested in expanding their activities in the East African nation, Sheikholeslam said.

He also expressed appreciation for the Kenyan president’s invitation to Ahmadinejad.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister elaborated on the fact that International Atomic Energy Agency inspections have shown that Iran’s nuclear activities are totally peaceful, adding that Tehran must develop nuclear energy because oil reserves will eventually be depleted.

Iran and Kenya have closely cooperated in the political and economic spheres and Ahmadinejad’s trip will strengthen ties and expand trade exchanges, he stated.

He also expressed hope that the exchange of views between the two presidents will ensure that the Iran-Africa conference, currently scheduled for 2009, will be successful.

The Kenyan vice president stated that Nairobi is committed to supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran in the international arena.

Commenting on the fact that a false pretext was used to justify the invasion and occupation of Iraq, Musyoka said dialogue is the only way to resolve nuclear disputes.

Noting with pride that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has Kenyan roots, he expressed hope that the new U.S. administration will dispense with the policy of unilateralism in order to promote world peace.

He pointed to the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) and invited Iranian companies to participate in joint projects in Kenya.

Musyoka also asked Iran to become more involved in efforts to resolve problems in East Africa.

SL/HG END MN

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