Senegal will return its ambassador to Iran, more than a month after the envoy was recalled in a dispute over an Iranian arms shipment.

"The head of state has informed the cabinet of his decision to authorise the return to Iran of the Senegalese ambassador," read a statement issued by President Wade's office.

Some 13 containers of Iranian weapons were seized in the Nigerian port of Lagos in October, leading Senegal to recall its ambassador from Tehran in mid-December and neighbouring Gambia to cut all diplomatic ties.

The purpose of the shipment remains unclear, but Senegal's southern Casamance region, bordering Gambia, has been the scene of a low-level separatist insurgency since 1982.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul helped to mediate the dispute between Senegal and Iran.

Analysts have said the row threatened to dent Iran's quest for trade partners in Africa, where it is also seeking friends in the international dispute over its nuclear programme.

Iran has trade ties with Senegal and last May offered to carry out infrastructure projects including road, railway, port and airport construction.

source: Reuters