Tehran, Jan 20

 Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has said that the Islamic republic is prepared to supply oil products to Senegal, just as Tehran aims to establish a foothold in the African market.

"Iran can be a good supplier of oil products to Senegal and its own neighbouring countries," Xinhua quoted Iranian oil minister as saying during a meeting with visiting Senegalese Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye here Saturday night.

Iran can also help renovate oil treatment facilities in Senegal, Zanganeh said, adding that his country is willing to develop long- term cooperation in oil, gas and petrochemical production and refining with Senegal.

For his part, Ndiaye said his country is interested in benefiting from Iran's assistance in the construction of refineries, natural gas storage and sulfur supply to its chemical plants, Press TV reported.

On Saturday, Iran's first Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri said his country's foreign policy approach is to improve ties with African states and Tehran is ready to help resolve problems in Africa, according to Press TV.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, which holds the rotating presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement, is ready to participate in initiatives aimed to settle problems in the African region," Jahangiri said here in a meeting with the Senegalese foreign minister.

He expressed hope that the exchange of visits between Iranian and Senegalese officials would further pave the way for strengthening cooperation, especially in the industrial sectors, given the two countries' great capacities.

By:IANS