IRAN has expressed its interest in strengthening ties with Burkina Faso, offering to share its expertise in key areas such as security, health, and the economy. Mojtaba Faghihi, Iran’s top diplomat in Ouagadougou, made the announcement during a meeting with Burkina Faso’s Economy Minister, Aboubacar Nacanabo, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry.
Faghihi stated that Iran is prepared to collaborate with Burkina Faso by providing support in fields crucial to the country’s development. He highlighted Iran’s readiness to assist in security efforts, as well as setting up a pharmaceutical production unit and other industrial initiatives within the West African nation.
The Iranian ambassador also praised the establishment of the Burkina Faso Treasury Deposit Bank and encouraged the facilitation of financial exchanges between Burkinabe and Iranian banks. He further urged the Burkinabe government to support investors from both nations to strengthen economic cooperation.
Minister Nacanabo expressed Burkina Faso’s willingness to collaborate with Iran in various sectors of mutual interest, reinforcing the two nations’ commitment to deepening their relationship.
Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional military coalition aimed at addressing escalating security challenges posed by extremist groups in the region. All three nations have shifted away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following military coups that led to the formation of their current junta governments.
The AES alliance has also forged closer ties with Russia, a country that maintains strong diplomatic relations with Iran. In recent months, the three Sahelian nations have been critical of Ukraine, with Niger cutting diplomatic ties with Kyiv last month, accusing Ukraine of supporting Malian ‘terrorist groups.’
As the geopolitical landscape in West Africa continues to shift, Iran’s offer to support Burkina Faso marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, with potential developments in security and economic cooperation.
