TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Beninese Minister of State for Planning and Development Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, who is in Iran as the special envoy of the African country�s president, met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday to explore avenues for the enhancement of bilateral relations.

In a meeting in Tehran on Sunday, the visiting African official and Foreign Minister Zarif discussed the ways for closer ties between Iran and Benin in the political, economic and academic fields as well as stronger cooperation in banking industry and agriculture.

They also talked about coordinated action in the international organizations and joint efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Bio Tchane also passed on a written message from President of Benin Patrice Talon for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Expansion of relations with African nations in all fields is top on the agenda of Iran's foreign policy.

President Rouhani has repeatedly stressed his administration�s interest in boosting relations with African states.

By Tasnim News Agency