Iran’s will centered on strengthening ties with African nations, says Foreign Ministry

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has affirmed that the Islamic Republic’s will is directed toward strengthening its relations with African nations.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for the ministry, highlighted a meeting on February 20, 2025 between Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and the ambassadors of African countries in Tehran.

Baghaei stated that the meeting reflected “Iran’s determination to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with African countries in various areas of mutual interest.”

During the meeting, Aref noted that the Iranian administration’s strategy, under President Masoud Pezeshkian, is aligned with Iran's core policy of enhancing relations with African nations.

He emphasized the goal of bolstering cooperation across bilateral, multilateral, and regional frameworks. “Given the capacities we possess, by synergizing and pooling our resources, we can better contribute to the development of relations and serve our people,” Aref remarked.

Baghaei also extended congratulations to the African Union (AU) on the successful conclusion of its 38th Summit, held on 15-16 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He offered his best wishes to Angola, Djibouti, and Algeria, who assumed key leadership roles within the AU.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, an observer to the African Union, congratulates the successful 38th AU Summit on 15-16 February 2025 and wishes all success to Angola, the new Chair of the African Union, Djibouti, the new Chair of the African Union Commission, and Algeria, the Deputy Chair,” Baghaei wrote on X.

The summit, which centered on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” addressed a wide range of critical issues including conflict resolution, economic integration, and sustainable development.

Leaders at the summit discussed strategies to improve peace and stability in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, while also emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The summit also underscored the need for self-sufficiency in energy and infrastructure development, with a focus on climate resilience.

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