Salehi: Benin Can Play Leading Role In Global Developments

Cotonou, Jan 7, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Sunday that Benin as the current leader of the African Union can play a significant role in regional and global developments. Salehi made the remarks in a meeting with Benin's Foreign Minister Nassirou Bako-Arifari. On his first leg of trip to African continent, Salehi arrived in Benin last night and conferred with his counterpart on ways to enhance level of economic cooperation. Salehi called for expansion of mutual relations and cooperation. He also thanked Benin president who led a high ranking delegation to Tehran to attend Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) last September. The two ministers also reviewed latest developments in African continent as well as the status of countries such as Mali and Central Africa. Benin foreign minister, for his part, described Salehi's visit to his country as sign of willingness to bolster cooperation and solidarity between the two nations. Iran and Benin have excellent relations, he said adding that "We believe in enhanced cooperation between Iran and Benin." The Islamic Republic of Iran as a regional power and NAM leader can help resolve regional disputes and also enhance level of diplomatic ties with other countries, said Benin foreign minister. Violent policies as sanctions, violence and waging war under pretext of resolving problems are wrong approach, he said and thanked Iran's initiatives to help resolve the Syrian crisis by forming national reconciliation government. He also praised Iran's stand about resolving regional disputes. Benin believes that benefiting from peaceful nuclear energy is Iran's legitimate rights, he said. Salehi's second leg of his African tour will take him to Ghana./end