TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Viola Onwuliri has dismissed Western propaganda against Tehran, praising Iran’s "vigorous" social and economic environment.
Onwuliri made the remarks at a Monday meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi here.
The Nigerian foreign minister, who travelled to Iran to participate in the fourth meeting of the joint economic, industrial and trade commission of Iran and Nigeria, expressed Abuja’s determination to promote its relations with Tehran.
Salehi, for his part, expressed satisfaction over growing bilateral ties between Iran and Nigeria and reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s resolve to further enhance the relations in different spheres, including economy, energy, petrochemicals, technology, industry and agriculture.
The Iranian foreign minister also made reference to the achievements of Iranian scientists in cutting-edge know-how such as nanotechnology and other medical services, and indicated Iran’s readiness to transfer such expertise to Nigeria.
Separately, Salehi said that Istanbul talks on April 14 might be considered as a beginning to end disputes on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Salehi made the remark in a meeting with a number of visiting Egyptian figures, elite and media members.
The nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 in Istanbul proved that the West is unable to exert political and economic pressure on Iran to compel it to give in or withdraw from its peaceful nuclear rights, said Salehi.
He said Iran is positive about the negotiations held in Istanbul and the continuation of those talks in Baghdad on May 23.
Any hasty decisions on Syria will make the situation worse, said Salehi commenting on the issue of Syria.
He then condemned any foreign meddling in the internal affairs of Syria.
About Bahrain, the foreign minister said the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly supported the legitimate demands of the Bahraini people.
On relations between Tehran and Cairo, the Iranian foreign minister hoped the two will witness promotion of mutual ties as the new government in Egypt takes office.
Iran’s foreign minister also talked about the issue of Palestine and the importance of fulfillment of the rights of the oppressed Palestinians.
