President Ahmadinejad Blames Colonialism for Instability in somalia

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blamed colonialist powers for continued insecurity and instability in Somalia and a number of Islamic states.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

"Colonialist governments do not want to see (establishment of) security and tranquility in Islamic states, specially in Somalia which enjoys a very sensitive geographical position," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmad Ali Jangeli on the sidelines of 'Iran-Africa Forum' which kicked off here in Tehran on Tuesday.

"No one benefits from insecurity and chaos and we hope that the resistance by the world governments and nations would root out the problem of extremism and insecurity," President Ahmadinejad added.

He called on all sides to help Somalia establish durable security in the country.

As regards the Tehran- Mogadishu bilateral ties, Ahmadinejad voiced Iran's preparedness to further boost ties with Somalia and transfer its experiences to Mogadishu.

During the meeting, the Somali minister reminded commonalities of the Iranian and African culture and tradition, and stated, "The relations between Iran and Somalia are historical and this can play a major role in the expansion of bilateral ties."

The Somali minister, along with a large number of other government and private sector officials from more than 40 African states, is in Tehran to attend the two-day-long 'Iran-Africa Forum'.

African ministers of foreign affairs, industries, health and education have also participated in the meeting to discuss ways of expanding mutual cooperation and ties.

Tehran has prioritized promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states and the country is now considered as one of the African Union's strategic partners.

Source: Fars News Agency