Iranian first VP congratulates North Korean, Senegalese PM

Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, in separate messages, congratulated North Korean Prime Minister Pak Pong Ju on the country's National Day and Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Toure on her appointment as Senegal's new prime minister. In his congratulatory message, Jahangiri felicitated Pong Ju on the National Day of the country. He hoped that the two countries will witness further enhancement of ties in all the fields of interest at the regional and international levels, in light of efforts of the two countries’ officials. Also in a separate message, Jahangiri congratulated Toure and the Senegalese nation and government on her appointment to the post. Jahangiri hoped that during her tenure, the two governments will make efforts to further promote bilateral ties in all the fields. He also wished the Senegalese government and nation success and dignity. Iran has expanded ties with the African states in recent years and is also an observing member of the AU and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings. The country is considered as one of the AU's strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.