Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Iran is keen on developing relations with the Islamic states and African nations.
In a meeting with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, the Leader said that the Senegalese in the past century contributed a lot to propagate Islam in Africa and that the Islamic sentiment of Senegal is a powerful motive for Iran's interest in boosting relations with that country.
The Leader said that exchange of views among the Islamic nations is effective to reinforce solidarity and helping resolve the crises from which the Muslim world is suffering.
The Leader welcomed the decision made by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to hold its next summit in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, in 2006.
On US and Israeli military attacks against Afghans, Iraqis and Palestinians, the Leader said that their practices will cause loss for themselves.
President Mohammad Khatami who was present in the meeting, briefed the Leader on the negotiations being held with President Wade during his stay in Iran.
President Wade said that Senegal is the flag bearer of Islam in the heart of Africa, adding that Senegal will do its best to make sure that the next OIC summit to be held in Dakar in 2006 will serve as a great stride to forward the Islamic solidarity and vindicating the rights of Muslims worldwide.