Iran determined to strengthen ties with African countries, says FM Amir-Abdollahian

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone conversation with Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba, highlighting the significance of Africa in Tehran’s foreign policy objectives.

According to a readout of the phone conversation provided by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign minister underscored the importance of establishing a joint cooperation commission between the two nations.

He also congratulated Rouamba on her appointment.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Amir-Abdollahian expressed worries over Takfiri terrorist groups’ activities in Burkina Faso and West Africa.

Rouamba, for her part, called for the expansion of scientific and technical cooperation and receiving assistance from Iran in various fields.

As a country that has been grappling with terrorism for years, Iran can share its experience in this regard with Burkina Faso, she added.

Under President Ebrahim Raeisi, Tehran has attempted to streamline its foreign policy priorities by including regional, Eastern, and African nations, instead of relying on ties with Western countries, some of which have either imposed or enabled sanctions against the country.

In February, Iranian and African businessmen and officials came together in a major conference in Tehran to discuss ways to boost commercial ties.

Back in late January, Amir-Abdollahian told Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey that the Islamic Republic is firmly determined to bolster relations with all African countries, particularly Togo.

The Togolese foreign minister also said his country is keen to expand relations with Iran, particularly in trade and economic areas.

The two sides agreed to set up joint working committees, discuss possible ways to open embassies in Tehran and Lome, and exchange trade delegations.