He made the comments prior to leaving Iran’s capital, Tehran, for the Indonesian island of Bali on Wednesday to take part in the 5th Bali Democracy Forum.
The Iranian president added that the existing system of democracy was incompatible with many cultures.
“Every nation should [be free to] determine the characteristics of its own government and conduct [in international relations] according to its cultural traits,” Ahmadinejad said.
The 5th Bali Democracy Forum will be held on November 8-9, 2012, attended by representatives of about 70 countries.
Among major topics of discussion at the meeting are security, peace, human rights, and economic development.
The Iranian president said he will meet with heads of state participating in the conference to discuss bilateral ties and international issues.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Senior Advisor to President Mojtaba Samareh-Hashemi, and Iran’s Vice-President for Executive Affairs Hamid Baqaei accompany the Iranian chief executive in his visit.
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