The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has called on African nations to cooperate to fight terrorism on the continent.
At meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at his Beit Rahbari residence in Tehran last Sunday, he said extremism and conflicts in Africa were the creation of the "Hegemonic powers" and that the best solution to the problem "lies in the independent countries accelerating cooperation between them." The meeting took place as Iran marked the 36th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which was led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinei.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the "Hegemonic powers" for being the cause of conflicts in other parts of the world outside of Africa.
He stated that it was only in Africa that 'hegemonic powers’ were promoting conflicts pointing out that thiey were also the cause of “Terrorist groups in our region and Africa have been nurtured by the spying agencies of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime," he said.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who by the Iranian Constitution is the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, also touched on the Syrian conflict saying Iran was interested in the peace of that country.
"We have always made efforts to make sure this issue end up in the best interest of the Syrian nation, " he said.
But he emphasised that the solution lies with the Syrian people.
“The Americans and the Europeans cannot decide for the Syrian nation and it is the Syrian nation that should decide about its own future,” he said.
Iran - African cooperation
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pledged Iran's continued cooperation with African countries to enhance the continent's progress.
He said Iran had been faihful to the African cause and would work to strengthen the relationship.
On Ghana, the Supreme Leader said the country had great potentials for growth.
He expressed the hope that President Mahama's visit will enhance cooperation between the two countries.
In this meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Preaident said he was impressed with Ayatollah Khamenei's words of peace..
He said Iran's fight against terrorism was commendable.
President Mahama said the fact that Iran's foreign policy hinged on respect for nations was enough to underline the right to decide their own fate.
He said Iran continued to suport Ghana's development which was commendable and added that Ghana was prepared to strengthen the cooperation in many areas.
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