Ahmadinejad made the remarks in an opening speech to the Iran-Africa Forum in Tehran on Tuesday.
Representatives from governments and private sectors of over 40 African nations including the presidents of Senegal and Malawi are attending the two-day summit which focuses on expanding political and economic ties.
There is no limit to expand cooperation between Iran and African states to a maximum level, the president stated.
Ahmadinejad went on to say that the Islamic Republic is ready to share its experiences in all fields with countries in Africa.
The president also expressed Tehran's readiness to host the next summit meeting of the African Union.
Iran is ‘strategic partner’ of Africa
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki also delivered a speech to the summit, describing Iran as the “strategic partner” of Africa.
In his address, Mottaki described the summit as significant step to explore ways to promote ties with African countries, particularly in areas of security and health.
Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika, who is also the chairman of the African Union, also delivered a speech in the conference.
Mutharika invited Iranians to invest in Africa.
The African Union secretary general also said Iran and African countries are serious in the fight against terrorism and promoting peace and security.
Mutharika also noted he sees a bright future for Iran-Africa cooperation.
In addition, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade made a speech in the summit, saying Africa seeks to expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic.
In another speech, Alpha Oumar Konare, former chairman of the African Union Commission, said Africa supports Iran’s use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
President Ahmadinejad held separate talks with Malawian and Senegalese presidents, as well as a number of other African officials on the sidelines of the Iran-Africa summit.
In his meeting with Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika, Ahmadinejad said the two countries share common views on international issues.
In a meeting with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, Ahmadinejad expressed Tehran’s readiness to resolve regional disputes in Africa.
For his part, Wade thanked Iran for its help in the implementation of economic projects in Senegal.
Moreover, the Iranian president conferred with foreign ministers of Sudan, Somali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, Comoros’ economy minister, the parliament speaker of Ivory Coast, the Malawian ex-president, and secretary general of the East African Community.
EP/PA
END
MNA
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