Iranian minister of industry and mines in a meeting with the visiting Senegalese foreign minister in Tehran on Thursday called for the all-out expansion of Tehran-Dakar ties, especially in the field of industry and mines.
Mehr News Agency reported Ali-Akbar Mehrabian saying that Senegal is one of the main hubs for Iran to increase its industrial and economic activities in western Africa, adding that Iran is willing to enhance its cooperation in all fields.
Mehrabian stated Iran's readiness to meet Senegal's needs, and pointed out that Iran would soon complete the production line for building tractors in that country.
He pointed out that Iran's giant carmaker Iran Khodro built the first phase of its factory in Senegal last year, adding that the second phase of the factory will soon be established.
Senegalese Foreign Minister Madicke Niang stated that many fields for the cooperation of the two countries exist, and called upon Iran to expedite the implementation of projects agreed upon by the two countries.
Niang characterized Senegal as the gateway to west Africa, and said his country and countries in the region can be a market for cars built in that country.
According to agreements between the two countries the Iranian Industry and Mines ministry will help Senegal build locomotives, train wagons, a subway, agricultural machines, cement factories, a refinery and electronic components.
In addition Iran has agreed to carry out geological and mineral discovery surveys and training courses in various fields in that country.
The visiting Senegalese foreign minister met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday.