The presidential chief of staff said on Tuesday Iran attaches great significance to its relations with African countries.
Mohammad Nahavandian made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Beninese Foreign Minister Nassirou Bako Arifari.
"Religious affinities and the large Muslim population in the country increase the importance (of relations with Benin)," IRNA quoted him as saying.
He also said, "The administration has taken great strides to strengthen ties with other countries based on the principled policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we are witnessing uninterrupted expansion of ties with the international community since the new administration took office in 2013."
The senior official said enormous challenges facing the nations have gone beyond regional borders and turned into international issues, criticizing some world powers for providing support and weapons to terrorist groups in an attempt to topple some governments in the region.
The Beninese top diplomat, for his part, said, "Exchange of high-ranking delegations between Iran and Benin is indicative of the high status of bilateral relations."
He added, "The Beninese government and nation have great faith in the performance of the Iranian administration and people, since they are witnessing the brave Iranian nation's insistence on their interests, dignity and independence."
