HAVANA (IRNA) -- President Mahmud Ahmadinejad of Iran said here Thursday that due to its strong potential the G-15 could assume an influential political and economic role both regionally and globally.

Ahmadinejad's remarks came in an address to the meeting of 18 developing countries (G-15) which was held in parallel to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) gathering on Thursday.

Iran took over the rotating presidency of the group from Algeria on Thursday. Addressing the leaders and heads of state of 18 developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America, Ahmadinejad said, "Iran opposes any form of unilateralism and supports a multi-polar world."

He announced Tehran's readiness to develop all-out ties with other countries.

Touching on the G-15 member states' large natural resources and strong capabilities, the president regretted that the group has not yet found its proper status at regional and international arena.

The president said certain countries are blocking technological and scientific advancement of other nations with the aim of keeping them dependent on the industrialized world.

As the new chairman of the G-15, Ahmadinejad promised Iran will make all necessary efforts to promote the group's status and help it achieve its goals.