In a Monday meeting with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales on the sidelines of the summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Russia, President Ahmadinejad underlined the significance of solidarity among independent nations and governments against “bullying powers”.
“The development and consolidation of ties with independent nations, in particular Latin American ones, is among the definite and strategic policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Ahmadinejad said.
Iran and Bolivia enjoy brotherly relations and follow great objectives, which require them to further enhance and strengthen their ties, he added.
The Iranian chief executive said that the Islamic Republic holds deep-rooted and friendly relations with independent countries, noting that these ties cannot be easily undermined.
Regarding regional developments in particular the Syrian crisis, President Ahmadinejad said, “The Global Arrogance (US) and the West are interested in prolonging the status quo in Syria because it will lead to the spread of insecurity to other regional countries and on the other hand, it will bring relief to the Zionist regime [of Israel].”
He said that unity among Latin American nations and governments will abort the enemies’ plots against them.
Morale, for his part, praised Iran’s support of the Bolivian nation and government and said his country, inspired by the Islamic Republic, remained steadfast in defending Bolivia’s sovereignty and independence.
He also underscored the need for independent nations, including Iran and Bolivia, to stand together in confronting pressures by the US and other bullying powers.
The promotion of all-out cooperation with Latin American countries has been among the top priorities of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy over the past few years.