Iran's Foreign Minster Hossein Amirabdollahian told Zanzibar’sPresident Hussein Mwinyi that the Islamic Republic is ready to facilitatethe presence of Iranian businesspeople in Zanzibar. Amirabdollahian said the foreign policy of the 13th Iranian administration emphasizes ties with Africa. He added that historical and cultural relations between Iran and Zanzibar provide fertile ground for the expansion of economic ties between the two sides. The foreign minister said trade, academic, industrial and interurban relations are among areas in which Iran and Zanzibar can work. At the end, Amirabdollahian extended the Iranian president's formal invitation to the president of Zanzibar to visit Tehran. Mr. Hussein Mwinyi for his part welcomed Amirabdollahian to Zanzibar. He also appreciated the Iranian foreign minister and his entourage for visiting Zanzibar. Mwinyi further welcomed any effort to expand bilateral ties in areas referred to by Amirabdollahian and said he was ready to help facilitate the presence of Iranian companies in Zanzibar. Mwinyi also thanked the Iranian president for inviting him to visit the Islamic republic and welcomed the invitation. He added that plans are afoot for his trip to Iran.