WANA (Feb 23) – Iran’s president has described Africa as a strategic priority in Tehran’s foreign policy, emphasizing the expansion of comprehensive cooperation with African nations on the basis of “mutual interests” and within a framework of balanced diplomacy—an approach that reflects Iran’s broader effort to deepen ties across the Global South amid ongoing international pressure.

 

President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Celestin Simpore, Minister of War and Defense of Burkina Faso, underscoring Tehran’s commitment to strengthening and expanding relations with African countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

 

Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic’s view of Africa has consistently been strategic, long-term, and grounded in shared interests. He stressed that Iran is seriously pursuing the development of wide-ranging cooperation with African states and is prepared to mobilize its capacities to elevate bilateral relations.

 

Highlighting the importance of exchanging high-level political, defense, and economic delegations, the Iranian president noted that sustained official visits and specialized consultations could foster deeper mutual trust and broaden engagement across economic, scientific, industrial, and defense sectors.

 

He added that expanding ties with Burkina Faso, within the broader framework of Iran’s Africa policy, could also facilitate stronger cooperation with other countries on the continent.

 

Pezeshkian also praised what he described as the independent and anti-domination stance of Burkina Faso’s government and people, expressing confidence that, through national unity and domestic cohesion, the country would prevail in its fight against terrorism and extremism.

 

He announced Iran’s full readiness to share technical expertise and experience, particularly in scientific, industrial, and defense fields, suggesting that bilateral cooperation could be built upon the exchange of successful development models.

 

For his part, Simpore commended Iran’s resilience in the face of decades of sanctions and external pressure. He described the country’s achievements—especially in defense industries and advanced technologies—as symbols of national strength, strategic self-reliance, and effective governance under international constraints.

 

Referring to Burkina Faso’s more than decade-long struggle with terrorism and insecurity, Simpore argued that the roots of instability in his region are not fundamentally different from those seeking to pressure Iran.

 

He maintained that what he called “hegemonic forces” aim to perpetuate dependency and prevent genuine national sovereignty, adding that the people of Burkina Faso are determined to pursue independence, social progress, and economic development through their own national will.