Comoros-a former French colony whose currency is linked to the euro-retains strong ties with France, its main bilateral aid donor and trading partner. In September 2010 the two countries revived a military co-operation pact that was originally signed in 1978 but suspended in 1999. Although Comoros routinely condemns France's "occupation" of Mayotte (the fourth island in the archipelago, which is a French overseas territory) there is little risk that relations between the two countries will break down. Under Mr Sambi, who studied Islamic theology and political theory in Iran and is known locally as "the ayatollah", the emphasis of foreign policy has shifted towards the Middle East. These closer relations, combined with Mr Sambi's religious credentials, have raised some concern over a potential move towards a more Islamist political environment. Ties with the Middle East are expected to stay strong under Mr Dhoinine (who is expected to stick largely to Mr Sambi's policy agenda) and the region is likely to remain an important source of investment and aid. The resolution of the dispute over the electoral calendar will help to sustain Comoros's access to aid from the West, although this could change if further disruptions were to occur to the transfer of power.