Iran-Algeria relations ‘on right track’ as FM Attaf visits Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met on Saturday with his visiting Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, saying the relations between the two countries proceed on the right track.

Amir-Abdollahian received Attaf earlier in the day in Tehran, where the two discussed the expansion of ties between Tehran and Algiers, among other issues of mutual interest.

In a joint press conference after the meeting, the chief Iranian diplomat said they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology, knowledge-based companies, agriculture, medicine and medical equipment, industry, and mining.

“The relations between the two countries are on the right track,” he said. “At the political level, we have always had robust discussions and consultations at the level of high-ranking officials and presidents, prime ministers, first vice presidents, as well as foreign ministers, and we will continue this path.”

He noted that the two sides agree on holding a joint follow-up commission between Iran’s first vice president and Algeria’s prime minister, and the foreign ministries of both countries would be in charge of the follow-up.

Visa cancellation

Amir-Abdollahian also said they agreed on the cancellation of political visas as the first step, which will be followed by the cancellation of regular visas as the second step.

He underlined that the two diplomats had a discussion about regional issues during their meeting, adding, “Algeria did not allow the Zionist regime to become an observer member in the African Union ... This country has always supported Palestine and also played an important role in the return of Syria to the Arab League.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister pointed to an upcoming summit of heads of state and government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Algeria, saying President Ebrahim Raeisi will participate in the international event for diplomatic consultations with the member states at the summit.

“We are still working to neutralize the sanctions and cancel the unilateral, cruel sanctions through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.

Tehran-Algiers ties enjoy great capacity for development

Attaf, for his part, appreciated the warm welcome by the Iranian foreign minister and underscored the two countries’ high potential to expand their bilateral relations.

“The relations between the two countries are distinguished and have the capacity for further development in economic spheres,” the Algerian foreign minister said.

Pointing to the agreement on establishing a joint committee, Attaf said such mechanisms play an important role and bring about convergence between the two countries, which he said can be a good opportunity for expanding bilateral cooperation.

“The Iran-Algeria relations are extensive in various national and international spheres,” the top Algerian diplomat said, adding, “The Iran-Algeria relations are historical and privileged, and there lies a bright future ahead of us.”

Ataf expressed his country’s satisfaction with the positive relations between the Arab countries and Iran as well as the historic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia with the mediation of China.

“We hope that this issue will help consolidate convergence in countering the challenges faced by regional countries,” he added.

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