Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Africa is a strategic priority in Tehran’s foreign policy, stressing the country’s intention to expand comprehensive cooperation with African nations based on shared interests and a balanced diplomatic approach.

During a meeting with Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister, Celestin Simpore, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with African states, particularly Burkina Faso. He said Iran’s vision for engagement with the continent is long-term and built on mutual partnership.

Tehran is ready to mobilise its capabilities to deepen bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of high-level political, defence and economic exchanges to reinforce trust and open broader avenues of cooperation in economic, scientific, industrial and security fields.

Pezeshkian said that expanding relations with Burkina Faso could serve as a gateway for wider cooperation with other African countries. He praised what he described as the Burkinabe government’s independent stance and expressed confidence that national unity would help the country overcome challenges related to terrorism and extremism.

For his part, Simpore commended Iran’s resilience in the face of decades of sanctions and external pressure, saying the country’s achievements in defence industries and advanced technologies reflect strong national will and self-reliance. He noted that Burkina Faso has been confronting terrorism and insecurity for more than a decade, arguing that the roots of these challenges resemble the pressures faced by Iran. He added that the Burkinabe people remain determined to pursue sovereignty, social progress and economic development.