TEHRAN -- The leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, here on Tuesday received the visiting Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi. Noting that Iran attaches special significance to its relations with African states, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of expanding Tehran-Nairobi ties. The leader further stated that expansion of Africa-Asia relations would be beneficial to both sides, adding that in pursuing such an objective, the countries should distance themselves from "Some policies opposing expansion of ties between Asian and African states." Ayatollah Khamenei also noted the significant number of Muslims in Kenya, and expressed pleasure over the suitable cooperation between the Kenyan government and the Muslim community in the country.

In the meeting also attended by President Mohammad Khatami, the Kenyan president expressed delight over the opportunity to meet with the esteemed leader. Terming the Iranian progress over the recent years as significant, Moi called for expansion of Tehran-Nairobi ties specially in the economic and industrial fields. (IRNA)