TEHRAN -- The presidents of Iran and Senegal held their first round of talks on Monday. After the meeting the two presidents talked to reporters in short briefing. Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade arrived in Tehran on Monday afternoon for a three-day visit.

President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said that Iran and Senegal share views on many issues which can help them expand their ties.

Ahmadinejad said that he had held some good negotiations with Wade and that more talks would be held during the Senegalese president’s three-day stay in Iran.

He noted that Senegal is an important country in Africa and referred to Wade as a revolutionary and effective figure in the African continent.

Ahmadinejad expressed hope that Wade’s trip to Iran would open a new chapter in the trend of bilateral ties.

He called for a speedy implementation of joint projects, adding that the grounds should be prepared for developing bilateral economic and cultural ties.

Ahmadinejad expressed gratitude over Wade’s “progressive” stances in the international arena.

The Senegalese president also expressed pleasure over his visit to Iran.

Wade said he considered Iran as his own home, adding that his visit was aimed at developing ties with Iran.

He noted that various problems have occurred in the world due to an incorrect interpretation of Islam.

Wade invited President Ahmadinejad to participate in the future session of leaders of Islamic states in Senegal.

“Due to the current problems in the world, I have also proposed holding a meeting between leaders of Islamic and Christian states in Senegal,” he added.

“Through this conference we want to announce that Islam is the religion of peace and patience,” he said.

Wade added that his talks with Iranian officials would focus on the two countries’ common ideas and ideals and Iran’s problems including its problems with the United States.