Speaking at a meeting with Benin’s new ambassador to Iran, Naim Akibo, in Tehran on Tuesday, President Rouhani praised the growing relations between the Islamic Republic and the West African nation and said the two countries have great potentials to boost their bilateral ties.
He further pointed to the problems facing the Middle East and said in recent years, the “sensitive” region, like Africa, has witnessed the interference of world’s major powers and violence and extremism.
The Iranian president went on to say that problems facing the two regions have no solution other than political dialogue.
Akibo, for his part, praised Rouhani’s efforts to settle problems and help establish stability in the region.
During the meeting, the new ambassador also submitted his credentials to President Rouhani.
Expansion of relations with African nations in all political, economic and cultural fields is top on the agenda of Iran’s foreign policy.
Rouhani, who was reelected as president in May, has repeatedly stressed his government's interest in boosting relations with African states.