Iranian President Masoud Bezhakian has declared that Africa holds strategic priority in Iran's foreign policy and that Tehran is eager to enhance comprehensive cooperation with African nations based on mutual interests and balanced diplomacy. This statement was made during a meeting with Burkina Faso's Defense Minister, Celestin Simbor, where Bezhakian reiterated Iran's commitment to strengthening ties with African countries, especially Burkina Faso, emphasizing the long-term basis of Iran's vision towards the continent and the importance of mutual partnerships.

During his discussions, Bezhakian expressed Iran's readiness to leverage its resources to advance bilateral relations, highlighting the significance of high-level political, defense, and economic exchanges that foster mutual trust and broaden horizons for collaboration in various fields including the economy, science, industry, and defense. He views the expansion of relations with Burkina Faso as a potential gateway to enhancing cooperation with other nations across Africa and appreciates Burkina Faso's independent stance against hegemony.

This strategic pivot towards Africa may signal a larger framework of Iranian foreign policy aimed at diversifying alliances and expanding influence in regions where Western powers may have less sway. By fostering relations with nations like Burkina Faso, Iran not only seeks economic and political partnerships but also aims to position itself as a counterbalance to Western influence on the continent, thereby affecting the geopolitical landscape of Africa and Iran’s own standing in global affairs.