Benin President Describes Iran As Regional Power

Cotonou, April 15, IRNA – Beninese President Thomas Boni Yayi described Iran as a regional power that plays a key role in establishment of peace and stability in different parts of the world. At a banquet on Sunday held in honor of the visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President Yayi appreciated the important role Iran plays in resolving the international problems. Iran as the current president of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Benin, as president of the regional committee for Africa, can play influential role in promotion of cooperation among the African states. Iranian and Beninese presidents also held constructive talks on the latest international developments and bilateral relations as well as African issues. Iranian President arrived in Benin Sunday evening on the first leg of his three-nation African tour which will later take him to Niger and Ghana. He is to proceed to Niger this afternoon./end