Iran and Mali foreign ministers meet in New York to discuss bilateral ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with his Malian counterpart in New York on Monday to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and international developments, according to Mehr News Agency.

During the meeting, Araghchi thanked Mali for what he described as its principled positions in opposing law-breaking and unilateral coercive measures. He also expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the people and government of Mali with Iran against U.S. and Israeli military aggression.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed Tehran's determination to strengthen relations with developing countries, including African nations, and particularly members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). He declared Iran's readiness to hold a joint meeting with the three member states of the Sahel alliance.

Araghchi reiterated Iran's principled position in supporting the independence and national sovereignty of all countries. He condemned what he called pressure and illegal interference by some European countries in the internal affairs of Sahel states, alleging that these countries have acted to create and fund terrorist groups and organised crime in the region.

Mali's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the growing relations between his country and Iran and provided an explanation of recent developments in Mali and the Sahel region. He stated that Mali and other African nations will not allow colonial and interventionist ambitions by some European governments to be realised.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The report by Mehr News Agency added that the two diplomats underscored the importance of continued dialogue and coordination between their countries.