Havana, August 22, IRNA � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined that Iran is pursuing the diplomacy of strengthening its relations with the Latin American countries in political and economic fields.


Zarif made the remarks to the Iranian reporters and journalists aboard plane before landing at Havana International Airport on Sunday night.

�The Islamic Republic of Iran has age-old and fortified relations with the American continent and the Latin American countries and it is determined to strengthen its relations as well as political and economic presence in this important region of the world,� the Iranian foreign minister said.

He pointed to the present of 60 Iranian businessmen and managers of the private sector as well as 20 managers of the government�s economic sectors in his delegation, and said, �This composition shows the importance that both private and government sectors of the Islamic Republic of Iran attach to broadening of relations with Latin America.

Zarif, meantime, pointed to Iran-Cuba relations, and said, �The Islamic Republic of Iran is beside the Cuban government and nation.�

�It is for more than 50 years that the Cubans have persisted the oppressive pressures and sanctions of the US; despite the visit by US President (Barack Obama) to Havana, the sanctions have been eased a little, but they are still installed,� he added.

Zarif, heading a 120-member politico-economic delegation, arrived here on Sunday night at the first leg of his Latin American tour.

The exclusive aircraft carrying Iranian delegation arrived in Havana International Airport after a 16-hour flight.

Heading a political and economic delegation, Zarif will travel to Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela, respectively after wrapping his visit to Cuba and during his week-long Latin American tour.

Zarif visit is aimed at fostering Iran's political and economic relations with Latin American countries after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

An economic delegation consisting of 60 businesspersons and directors of the companies active in different arenas, technical and engineering service in particular, accompany Zarif during his visit.

Iranian foreign minister would stay in one country each day and hold talks with senior officials of Latin American countries.

Iran attaches great importance to expansion of all-out cooperation with the Latin American countries.

By IRNA