His Excellency, Jahanbash Hassan Zadeh, ambassador designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran, yesterday, presented his letters of credence to His Excellency, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, president of the Republic of The Gambia, at State House in Banjul.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his audience with the Gambian leader, Ambassador Jahanbash Hassan Zadeh said it was a great pleasure to present his credentials to President Jammeh.

The Iranian diplomat said The Gambia and Iran have had excellent relations since President Jammeh assumed office in 1994. He described the two countries as friends and members of the Organisation of Islamic countries (OIC).

"A high powered economic delegation from Iran will soon visit The Gambia to verify and examine the areas of cooperation in agriculture, investment and industry, as well as metro chemical oil and gas," Ambassador Zadeh disclosed. He expressed hope that the bilateral cooperation will grow from strength to strength.