Cuban President Fidel Castro said on Tuesday he
wanted to build political ties with Iran, which he hailed as a
pioneer for independence and security.
Despite gaping differences between the theocratic Islamic
Republic and the Caribbean communist island, the two countries
have one major thing in common -- the enmity of the United
States.
"I have not come for commerce, this is a political visit" the
gray-suited Castro told his host President Mohammad Khatami
at a welcoming ceremony at the beginning of three days of
meetings with Iranian leaders.
"We have an open agenda to discuss ties. I have come with
many questions."
Castro praised Iran for what he said was its role in combating
imperialism after the 1979 revolution which toppled the
U.S.-backed Shah.
"Today Iran is a pioneer in independence and security," he said
at a Tehran palace, formerly belonging to the Shah.
Cuba and Iran are both subject to economic sanctions and
political pressure from the United States. Both have a policy of
reaching out to other states spurned by Washington.
"Our cooperation...is in order to create an international system
in which the sovereign rights of all peoples and their right to
seek freedom are respected," said Khatami, who is widely
expected easily to win elections set for June 8.
"We must create a world in which no country can impose its will
on other nations," the beaming Khatami said. "A world with
justice freedom and security, not bullying, domination and
injustice."
Sugar-exporting Cuba and oil-rich Iran have expressed interest
in broadening trade away from traditional exports into new
products such as medicines and industrial goods.
The two leaders have met twice before, in Havana last
September and at an earlier summit of non-aligned leaders in
South Africa.
