Ahmadinejad to visit uranium-rich Niger

Speaking to reporters before leaving Tehran to start his three-nation tour of Africa, Iran President Ahmadinejad said expansion of relations with Africa is among absolute, irrevocable and principled policies of Iran. He said cooperation with independent states is of significance for progress, promotion of potentials of the independent states, formation of the front of independent states against the colonialists, bullying powers and colonialists and promotion of cultural and political cooperation. President Ahmadinejad said Iran has good and long-term relations with the African states and the ties have been growing in recent years. During the African tour, which will be his last as Iran's President, Ahmadinejad will visit Benin, Ghana and Niger.
 
According to his itinerary, President Ahmadinejad plans to visit Niger on the first leg of his tour and will then go to Ghana and Benin.
 
Niger is one of the world's top producers of uranium and Iran faces many problems about its nuclear programme.
 
During his three-day visit, the Iranian president will meet with the presidents of the Benin, Ghana and Niger, and will sign new cooperation pacts in a bid to expand economic and political relations with the three African states.
 
Ahmadinejad's administration has striven hard to maximize relations with the African continent.