Iranian, Ugandan FMs hold talks in Kampala

During the Wednesday talks, Zarif expressed his pleasure with mutual cooperation between the two sides, and called for further expansion of bilateral relations at different levels.

According to ISNA, he also referred to the high-ranking delegation accompanying him in his visit to Kampala, and expressed the hope that Iran and Uganda would start their mutual economic cooperation as soon as possible.

Kutesa, for his part, said he is pleased with the visit of Zarif and his entourage to Kampala, adding that Uganda tries to prepare the grounds for increased presence of Iranian firms in the African state.

“Iranian companies will be able to operate in Uganda in various fields including the production, assembly, and export of agricultural machinery,” he noted.

The Ugandan FM also highlighted the continuation of his country’s positive cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran in international bodies.

Elsewhere in the meeting, Zarif and Kutesa also discussed latest regional and international developments.

They have also participated in Iran-Uganda Business Forum held in the African state’s capital of Kampala.

During the Wednesday forum, Zarif said, "We have held a special view of Africa since the victory of our Islamic Revolution in 1979, and Africa is one of our priorities for expansion of economic cooperation".

The Iranian top diplomat also noted that relations between Tehran and Kampala are very strong and the Islamic Republic is interested in reinforcement of its cooperation with Uganda in various business fields.

"Heads of top Iranian business and commercial firms and representatives of major producers, industries, agriculture companies, research centers, banks, economic foundations, shipping lines, and car manufacturers are accompanying me in this trip,” Zarif noted, adding that members of his delegation are keen to cooperate with their Ugandan counterparts.