(IRNA) - Iran and Gambia here Monday discussed possible avenues for bolstering bilateral relations as well as latest regional and international developments.
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh met with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki prior to an official farewell ceremony held for him by his Iranian counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at the Presidential Office here.
During the meeting, Mottaki described bilateral relations between Tehran and Banjul as "positive," saying the two sides maintain constructive relations, reports Trend.
He added that the exchange of visits between the Iranian and Gambian presidents and ministers of foreign affairs and energy had laid the groundwork for the signing of documents for expansion of bilateral cooperation.
"Bilateral cooperation (with Gambia) in the scientific and academic fields can pave the way for exchange of experiences in the field of education and for science in Africa to progress," Mottaki said.
On developments in Iraq, he said that the the US is reaping the fruits of its hypocritical approaches in Iraq every day.
"Handing over of the country's security to its people and establishment of a broad-based government are the keys to solving Iraq's problems," he said.
Pointing to the increasing violation of Muslims' rights in the US and Europe, the Iranian minister said that the "lack of respect for values of Muslims and religious minorities, establishment of secret prisons and enforcement of rules that violate human rights have caused increasing concern in the US and Europe."
Mottaki welcomed the opening of diplomatic centers in Iran and Gambia and hoped these center would encourage expansion of Tehran-Banjul ties.
Jammeh, for his part, described his talks with senior Iranian officials as "constructive."
He said Iran enjoys great potentials which can be of great help to development of Africa.
He said that Islam plays a leading role in human lives and hoped that the sublime goals of justice and prosperity would be
materialized in all states through obedience to divine guidelines.
Referring to the results of elections in Palestine, he said Hamas was elected to lead the democratic government in Palestine.
The Gambian president said support for democratic Palestinian bodies would materialize the goals of the Palestinians.
Expressing regret for the deteriorating situation in Iraq, he said US policies have encouraged genocide in Iraq.
Jammeh, who returned to his country today, was in Iran for a three-day official visit upon an official invitation of President Ahmadinejad and in response to the Iranian president's visit to Gambia in late June.