Hawzah News Agency –The President stated that the establishment and strengthening of relations with the African countries is one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding, "In the new era, the process of all-inclusive development of cooperation with African countries in different economic, trade and political fields will be pursued more powerfully and with more seriousness".

Speaking on Monday in a meeting with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi said that African countries have rich and talented natural resources, minerals and human resources, adding, "Tehran seeks comprehensive development of relations with African countries, including Togo, to serve the common interest of the two nations".
Stating that throughout the history, Westerners have mainly sought to colonise and exploit the African continent, and today they are pursuing their desires and interests in various forms, noting, "The efforts of the people of this continent to maintain their independence are valuable and their success depends on the emphasis on national and cultural identity and resistance to extravagance".
The President stated, "African countries have the necessary capacities for development and prosperity, and the Islamic Republic of Iran supports the independence, progress and welfare of the African people".
The Foreign Minister of Togo Robert Dussey also stressed that his country wants to establish wide-ranging and comprehensive relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding, "Lomé trusts Tehran's approaches in the development process of relations, and hopes that the policies of development of economic cooperation with Africa boosts through mutual partnership".
Condemning the West's tough sanctions against independent states and nations, the Togolese Foreign Minister stressed, "We seek joint cooperation with Iran to activate our capabilities in the mutual interest".