At a joint press conference held today with Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister Rafik Abdessalem, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stated that his visit to Tunisia aims to enhance bilateral relations between Tunisia and Iran, promising a brighter future for relations between the two countries.

Salehi arrived in Tunis today for a two-day diplomatic visit during which he will meet with a number of top government officials. After meeting, the two ministers insisted that their respective countries are willing to improve their relations and share a similar vision concerning foreign relations.

After congratulating the Tunisian people for the success of their revolution, the Iranian minister expressed his optimism regarding the future of cooperation between the two countries. "I want to congratulate the Tunisian people for their revolution, which was the birthplace of the Arab Spring. I see a brighter future for relations between the two countries. Tunisia is a Muslim country and our friend. We are here to support Tunisia and offer our expertise in different fields, such as energy, industry, and technology, as well as enhance tourism between the two countries," Salehi added.

He further detailed his country's achievements in terms of technological development. "Iran was the first country to successfully implement self- functioning satellites in three stages, and animal cloning. We are ready to transfer our experience to Tunisia," he explained.

Concerning the situation in Syria, Abdessalem stated that the two countries share a similar vision for the resolution of the crisis. "The situation in Syria is extremely sensitive, and needs to be resolved internally," said Salehi, echoing the stated position of the Tunisian government regarding the conflict.

Salehi noted that Iran supports the peace plan proposed by Kofi Annan, Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States. "We support this initiative. Iran is in favor of the stabilization of Syria through negotiations between the government and the opposition, without foreign interference," he explained.

"Killings on both sides must end...Syria is in a strategic position, and the neighboring countries as well as the international community must deal with the situation wisely," Salehi added.

The visit of Ali Akbar Salehi to Tunisia is the first to be made by a high-ranking Iranian official since the fall of dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.