Pictures by Munyaradzi GumboOutgoing Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador, His Excellency Ahamad Erfanian today paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices.Ambassador Ahamad Erfanian discussed with President Emmerson Mnangagwa various issues of mutual interest aimed at supporting the country in the realisation of vision 2030.The outgoing Ambassador also thanked the Zimbabwean government for its continuous support and mutual relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran.Speaking to the media soon after the meeting with President Mnangagwa, Ambassador Ahamad Erfanian said the Islamic Republic of Iran was ready to further strengthen its existing relations with Zimbabwe despite the illegal sanctions imposed on the two nations by the West.“Iran is ready to further strengthen its existing relations with Zimbabwe and values our friendship with Zimbabwe.‘’There are a lot of opportunities of cooperation between the two nations. On sanctions imposed against Iran and Zimbabwe, I take this opportunity to strongly condemn the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Iran and we believe that these sanctions are affecting the lives of ordinary people and they are not constructive.‘’As of Iran we have come a long way and experienced a lot of ups and downs for 41years due to these illegal sanctions. Despite these illegal sanctions imposed on us, Iran has achieved many successes hence we believe that these illegal sanctions will not stop our progress which is our foreign policy.‘’ said Ambassador Ahamad Erfanian.Ambassador Erfanian also commended the government of Zimbabwe for their support and cooperation during his term of office. ‘’My tour of duty in Zimbabwe is coming to an end and I am very happy to be in this beautiful country.‘’We have really enjoyed our stay here in Zimbabwe, a beautiful country and I am happy to say that Iran and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial relations dating back to the liberation struggle,’’ said Ambassador Ahamad Erfanian.