World Shia Leader, Imam Khamenei, made the remark here Wednesday night in a meeting with a number of Iranian poets and cultural figures.

Imam Khamenei pointed to the very old, long-standing and invaluable history of poetry in Iran and said poetry has paved the way for the flourishment of other branches of arts as well.

The Supreme Leader also highlighted the importance of formation of literary and poetry associations and circles and believed poets should not wait for the official supports but rather should get together to develop their talents and offer them to the society.

Describing what induces certain people to make poems as a blessing bestowed by God, the ayatollah urged men of literature and poets to use their talents to advance the goals set for the mankind by the Almighty.

30 poets and literary figures participated in the meeting which took place at the eve of the birth anniversary of the second Shiite Imam Hassan (AS).