Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - The Government of Iran on Monday urged Ghana to prioritise the opening of a diplomatic mission in that country to boost bilateral relations for their mutual benefit.

It also wants Vice President Mahama to honour a long-standing invitation extended by his Iranian counterpart, Dr Mohammad Reza Aref-Yazdi to visit Tehran as a means of deepening ties at the Governmental level.

Mr Javid Ghorban Orgli, Secretary to the Special Committee for Africa in Iran, expressed his country's desire to Vice President Aliu Mahama when he paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.

Mr Orgli, who is on a three-day official visit to Ghana, also delivered congratulatory messages from President Mohammad Khatami-Ardakani and Dr Aref-Yazdi to their Ghanaian counterparts on their electoral victory and for promoting free, fair and peaceful general election in Ghana.

The Envoy, who is also the Director of Africa at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Iran, said his country had sought closer collaboration with Africa since the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and Ghana was considered a key ally.

The country has 23 Embassies in Africa, while 17 African countries have their missions in Iran.

Vice President Mahama welcomed Iran's goodwill, saying Ghana also wanted deeper ties with Iran to promote trade; socio-cultural collaboration and technology transfer at the governmental and private sector levels.

"We want to share experiences and learn from you, especially to benefit from your technology, which is more advanced," he said. Vice President Mahama lauded Iran's contribution to the agricultural, health and other sectors, saying the 1.5 million-dollar grant provided last year was very much appreciated.