Bamako, July 28, IRNA � Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Iran and Mali are determined to promote cooperation in all fields.

Addressing a joint meeting of the two countries' economic activists on Thursday, he added, 'Mali as the cradle of Islamic civilization is a dear and significant country to us and it will hopefully move towards development and peace and unity will be established here.'

Zarif said that the meeting of the Iranian and Mali economic activists reveals the two governments' willingness for economic cooperation.

'Delegation accompanying me is one of the biggest delegations alongside an Iranian minister,' he said, noting that the delegation comprises experts in the fields of dam construction, energy, science and technology, health and banking.

Presence of the great Iranian delegation from the state-run and private sectors indicates the country's resolve to establish ties with western African states, he said.

Zarif arrived here in the Malian capital Thursday at the fourth and last leg of his tour to West Africa.

Zarif started his African tour on July 24. The tour took him first to Nigeria, then to Ghana, and after that to Guinea Conakry. He met and conferred with the top officials of these countries to broaden bilateral relations.

A high-ranking economic delegation has been accompanying Zarif during his African trip.

By IRNA