BOGOTA (IRNA) -- Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe called on Iran to contribute to economic projects in his country notably in oil, gas and energy sectors.

Recieving credentials of Iran's new ambassador to Bogota Ahmad Pabarja on Thursday, he said Iran is a big country with a long history, culture and civilization and he is keen to witness expansion of bilateral cooperation in various fields including economic and cultural affairs.

He expressed hope that during the tenure of Iran's new ambassador, relations with Iran will be strengthened and expanded in all fields.Uribe called on Iranian companies to play an active role in the Colombian market and economic projects.

Iranian ambassador said in the meeting that reopening of Iranian embassy in Bogota is indicative of Tehran's clear will to boost two-way relations. Pabarja referred to the important position of the Latin America in Iran's foreign policy and promised to do his best to upgrade relations.

The Iranian ambassador told the Colobian president that Iranian ranking officials are very interested in broadening cooperation with Colombia.

Ahmad Pabarja, 46, has worked in economic sectors of Iranian embassies in London and Germany and has been director of the economic cooperation department in Iran's foreign ministry. He has studies economics.