Iran, Burundi move to expand ties by opening embassies

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and Burundi's Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation Augustin Nsanze agreed to open embassies in Tehran and Bujumbura. During their meeting here in Tehran on Saturday, the two ministers underlined the necessity for the promotion of the level of ties and cooperation between the two countries. Salehi and Nsanze also conferred on the two countries' capacities and possibilities, and explored ways to plan and implement cooperation projects. Salehi expressed the hope that the visit by Nsanze would pave the way for identifying proper grounds for cooperation between Iran and the Central African state. The Burundian minister, too, underlined the African country's resolve to deepen bilateral relations with Tehran, adding that his visit is aimed at finding proper grounds for the further expansion of cooperation. Since President Ahmadinejad ascended to power, Iran has sought to boost ties and cooperation with both Africa and Latin America. Iran is an observing member of the African Union and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings. The country is considered as one of the AU's strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.