From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Miryousefi, has said Iran is one of the top 15 countries in the world as far as scientific progress is concerned.
Speaking during the 45th anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution’ and the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Abuja, Miryousefi also said over the past 45 years, Iran has grown stronger and has become one of the top 15 countries in the world.
Miryousefi added that the advancement recorded by Iran was a testament to the effectiveness of the Islamic Revolution, adding that the revolution has instilled self-belief, self-confidence, and revolutionary courage in the Iranian nation, leading to remarkable achievements.
Iran, he further said, has achieved significant scientific progress in various fields in recent years.
In the medical field, Miryousefi said Iranian researchers have made breakthroughs in cancer treatment, diabetes management, and the development of various COVID-19 vaccines, even as he said the researchers have also introduced innovative treatment methods benefitting patients worldwide.
In the field of nuclear technology, Miryousefi also said Iran has made advancements in uranium enrichment, including the development of new-generation centrifuges.
“Iran’s research reactors are focused on the peaceful development of nuclear energy. Unfortunately, some countries have baselessly accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons and imposed unjust sanctions.
“In the field of renewable energy, Iran has made significant investments in solar and wind energy and has developed technologies for storing and distributing renewable energy.
Iran has also made remarkable progress in aerospace and rocket technology. On January 28, 2024, the Simorgh satellite launcher successfully placed the ‘Mehda’ satellite and two microsatellites, ‘Keyhan 2’ and ‘Hatef 1’, into orbit.”
Miryousefi further said the Islamic Republic of Iran and Nigeria have strong bilateral, multilateral and international relations, and in recent years, have seen good progress in the field of bilateral relations, including the increase of the commercial exchanges of the two countries, holding the sixth meeting of the joint commission of Iran and Nigeria in June 2022 and signing several documents in the fields of standards, cultural heritage, handcrafts and tourism, agriculture, sports and youths, cultural, technical and economic cooperation and constructive cooperation in regional and international assemblies and organisations such as the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), et cetera.
Also speaking, Director, Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Janet Olisa, said Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relationship date back to 1976.
Olisa applauded the existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran, even as she hailed the Islamic Republic of Iran for awarding scholarships to Nigerians to study in Iran.
Olisa further commended the scientific and technological advancement of Iran and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to enhance cooperation between both countries, especially in the field of science and technology.
She sought for more Iranian investments in Nigeria, especially in the fields of energy and infrastructure, for the mutual benefit of both countries and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission and to explore the possibility of establishing stronger trade links with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Olisa conveyed Nigeria’s readiness to enhance development of Nigeria-Iran strategic partnership through mutual trust and understanding, as well as the promotion of sustainable trade and investment, especially in the areas of Energy, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Solid Minerals, Health and Security.