Nations should defy barriers to their ties by hegemonic powers

TEHRAN, Apr. 25 (MNA) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution has urged better ties between nations despite the barriers mounted by hegemonic powers in the path to a win-win situation. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei received President Jacob Zuma of Republic of South Africa (RSA) on Sunday evening. Mr. Zuma was accompanied by President Rouhani, with whom he had met earlier today. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized upon diversity in bilateral relations including in economy and trade in addition to political détente, which would be in the face of sabotage and barriers posed by hegemonic powers; “the Islamic Republic of Iran severed its political and diplomatic relations with South Africa's Apartheid regime early in 1980s when it did the same for the Zionist regime after the Revolution; late Nelson Mandela was exceptional leader and played a crucial role in bringing down the Apartheid regime, and had cordial relations with revolutionaries in Iran; his indefatigable efforts and those of the nation as well overthrow the despotic and cruel regime, where Mandela’s charisma injected fresh spirit to African anti-Apartheid front across the continent,” emphasized Ayatollah Khamenei. “The Islamic Republic of Iran views relations with RSA in positive and constructive terms; our relations had been cordial and our cooperation in international scene equally constructive and effective; however, in trade and business we improve capacities to work further in line with political relations,” he suggested. “Our cooperation in NAM framework is another important ground and will benefit the whole NAM geography.” Ayatollah Khamenei urged sovereign countries to work with each other despite the difficulties posed by hegemonic powers through efforts to circumvent barriers. Jacob Zuma of RSA for his part expressed gratitude for Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for his country during anti-Apartheid campaigns; “we will never forget your support in so a difficult time; President Mandela’s visit then to Iran sought to express our national gratitude for your conduct,” he said. “We in turn have supported Iran in battle for its rights for peaceful nuclear technology against world powers; we believe there are ample opportunities for improvements in bilateral relations; we should work together to renew economic partnerships.” Zuma was in a general agreement with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution when he reiterated the latter’s position that great powers in the international community would seek UN tools to divide sovereign nations and that it was necessary for countries to unite to face these difficulties; he also mentioned attempts to change UN structure as another ground for cooperation. His closing lines were eulogy of Iranians who, Mr. Zuma believed, “have shown that in a hostile environment, a country could potentially solve its problems with the world and to provide an example for all others.”