Rafsanjani: Iran has no limits to broaden ties with Senegal

Rafsanjani made the remarks in a meeting with Senegalese Ambassador to Tehran, Baba Karba.

Senegal is regarded as the western gate of the African states to Europe, IRNA quoted Rafsanjani as saying. 

Considering the excellent political ties between the two countries, level of relations between the two countries are not satisfactory, Rafsanjani said. 

Iranian people like Senegal and even before the Islamic Revolution, they have done many big jobs in the country, he said. 

Rafsanjani conveyed his greetings to Senegalese president. 

Azad University is capable enough to broaden academic cooperation with Senegal, Rafsanjani said. 

The Iranian and Senegalese private and state sectors should play much active role in broadening cooperation. 

Rafsanjani recalled his past visits to east African countries, saying that one of their demands was to form academic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Most African countries have problems to educate and train professional experts and if the problem be removed, the African countries will be able to reconstruct their countries, Rafsanjani said. 

Expressing concern over the terrorist operations in some African countries such as Somali, he said all should exercise vigilance to prevent operation of Boko Haram. 

Senegalese ambassador for his part said they regard Iran as a rich mine of technology advancement as Senegal is determined to broaden such deeply rooted ties. 

Recently we have explored a big oil and gas field and would like to benefit from Iranian scientific cooperation on oil industry exploration, he said.