Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution met Friday evening with the President of Benin who is also the chairman of the African Union. Speaking at the meeting, President Yayi Boni said that the African Union is ready to have serious and close relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, current head of the Non-Aligned Movement. He said that comprising around two-thirds of the UN member states and fifty three percent of the world population, the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement have a very good and significant capacity.

Referring to the resources and capabilities of African countries, the Beninese President said: "Through cooperation, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement can play a significant role in international issues and we believe that the problems and insecurity of the modern world is due to global mismanagement, including the flawed structure of the Security Council and the domination of certain global powers - particularly America - over international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund."

The President of Benin said that all countries of the world have a right to make peaceful use of all energy resources, including nuclear energy, adding: "We member states of the African Union are completely ready to take steps towards unity and global peace through cooperation with the Non-Aligned Movement."

In the meeting, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution praised President Yayi Boni for his dynamism, hope and self-confidence and his correct analyses of global conditions and problems. He stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has a lot of respect for any person or nation that enjoys these characteristics."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that attention to Africa is an important pillar of Iran's foreign policy, further adding: "We believe that Africa is a very important continent because of its deep-rooted and ancient cultures."

His Eminence referred to colonization of Africa by western powers and the resulting harms for African countries and stated that the only way to liberate one's country from the hegemony of colonialists is to restore national identity and to rely on national power.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution highlighted the necessity of cooperation and unity among independent countries and stressed the need for vigilance against the enemies of this unity and cooperation.