TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday expressed his country's willingness to expand and deepen relations with African states, especially Burkina Faso.
Pezeshkian made the remarks at a meeting with Burkina Faso's Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Celestin Simpore in the Iranian capital Tehran, according to a statement from the president's office.
He said Iran attaches strategic priority to African states in its foreign policy, noting that Tehran pursues the expansion of all-out cooperation with African countries within the framework of its balanced diplomacy and based on common interests, and is ready to improve bilateral ties.
Pezeshkian also offered to share Iranian expertise in different sectors, including science, industry, and defense, with Burkina Faso.
Simpore, for his part, praised Iran's progress, especially in the defense and technological sectors, over the past four decades, describing them as symbols of "national power, strategic self-reliance, and smart management" achieved despite international restrictions.
He noted that Burkina Faso has faced over a decade of terrorism and security instability, adding, "We maintain that the main sources of instability and insecurity in our region are not different from those seeking to force the Iranian nation to surrender."
The minister criticized what he called "hegemonic circles" for seeking to prolong countries' dependence and undermine national sovereignty, underlining his country's interest in promoting relations with Iran in diverse areas. ■
