Visiting Senegalese President Abdullah Wade met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Tuesday, June 27.
Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Leader described practical adherence to the unity of the Islamic Ummah on the part of the officials of Islamic countries as conducive to the progress and power of Muslim nations. He also expressed pleasure over the decision made by the Iranian and Senegalese presidents to put into effect the agreements reached between the two countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Senegal as a stable country with prudent officials and a nation devoted to the Holy Prophet's household (greetings be upon them), and he underlined the Islamic Republic of Iran's readiness to develop and expand full-scale cooperation with Senegal.
The Leader described the Iranian nation's resistance against the plots and expansionist goals of arrogant powers as the cause of the flourishing of talents and the fulfillment of potential of Iranian youngsters.
"The Islamic Republic is witnessing the miraculous achievements of its young scientists in various fields of science and technology, and the attainment of nuclear science and technology without any aid or assistance from foreign countries is a prominent example of these achievements," the Leader told the Senegalese president.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran is quite capable of solving its nuclear issue.
"We will not negotiate with any country about our undeniable right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. But if they recognize our right, we will be ready to negotiate about supervision controls and international guarantees, and the ground has been prepared for such negotiations," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic further stated that world powers are exploiting the issue of negotiation, using it as a tool for exerting pressure on other countries.
"Negotiation with the United States is of no benefit to us, and we do not need this negotiation," the Leader added.
Further in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that the resistance of Islamic countries to the demands of the United States and Zionists and upholding Iran's nuclear rights is something essential which will help to boost the solidarity of the Islamic Ummah.
Referring to the positive stance taken by Senegal on this issue, the Leader stated that the 7th African Union Summit, which will be held in the near future and in which the Iranian president will take part, will provide a favorable opportunity for expressing this position.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei underlined the fact that the fate of the Islamic Ummah affects and is affected by the fate of each Muslim nation and country.
"Arrogant powers are not willing to see the emergence of the Islamic Ummah as a great world power. As a result, the United States and the Zionist regime are making every effort to foment rifts and schisms in the Islamic world, and it is incumbent on the officials of Islamic countries to foil these plots through awareness and vigilance," the Leader stated.
Senegalese President Abdullah Wade, for his part, expressed great pleasure over his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Describing his negotiations with President Ahmadinejad as quite positive, he expressed hope that Tehran-Dakar relations will be further strengthened through the implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries.
President Wade referred to Iran and Senegal as two influential members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). Also, touching on the abundant resources of the Islamic world, he noted that the power of the Muslim Ummah and the rise in the influence of the Islamic world on international issues are contingent on the political determination of the officials of Islamic countries and the unity and cooperation in the Islamic world.
"We hope that such issues will receive due attention at the next OIC summit in Senegal," he added.
The president of Senegal also voiced his country's support for Iran's right to use nuclear energy and expressed hope that the issue will be settled through a diplomatic process.
President Wade further described Africa as a continent apt for investment, and he called for the increased presence of Iran's private sector in this continent and particularly in Senegal.