Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on independent states to develop cooperation despite the disruptive efforts of hegemonic powers.
"Independent countries must draw closer and increase their cooperation in spite of disruptive acts by certain arrogant powers," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma in Tehran on Sunday, according to the official website of the Leader.
The Leader said Iran holds a "positive" view of South Africa.
"Relations between Iran and South Africa are very warm and the two countries' mutual cooperation at global assemblies is very helpful and effective, but economic and trade ties must also be enhanced in proportion to the two countries' potentials," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that interaction between the two countries within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement was another area of cooperation.
"Such cooperation will be in the interests of all non-aligned countries. The interests of independent countries lie in increasing cooperation in different sectors and the obstacles certain powers are throwing up against such cooperation must be countered," he said.
Zuma said South Africa has always been opposed to western sanctions imposed on Iran.
"There are abundant and untapped grounds for enhancing cooperation between the two countries and we intend to have a fresh start in economic and trade ties," he said.
The South African president echoed Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks about the necessity of cooperation between independent nations and said, "Certain powers, under unjustified pretexts, are stymieing development of relations between independent nations, but we can resolve many problems through unity and harmony on global issues."
Zuma said one ground for cooperation would involve making efforts to restructure the United Nations and its Security Council.
"Regardless of the world's public opinion and the UN General Assembly's decisions, the member states of the Security Council use the inadequate mechanism of this council to harm other countries," he said.
