African ambassadors meet Iranian president

TEHRAN, May 27 (MNA) - African ambassadors based in Tehran met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Saturday during a ceremony held to commemorate Africa Day, which is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity. During a speech at the meeting, Ahmadinejad said that the “unjust system” prevailing in the world should be reformed. “We should move toward (the establishment of) a just system based on the will of the people,” he stated. Ahmadinejad added, “The history of Africa is replete with movements, uprisings, and the people’s endeavors to acquire a proper status in the international arena.” However, many people in African countries are living in poverty since the hegemonistic powers and capitalists have been appropriating the continent’s natural resources, he said, adding that many people in Asia are experiencing the same situation. Ahmadinejad also commented on relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and African countries and noted that the progress of African countries delights Iran and that there is great potential to expand ties. The Malian ambassador delivered a speech at the meeting on behalf of the African ambassadors, in which he thanked Ahmadinejad for his efforts to increase cooperation between Iran and African countries and called for the expansion of ties.