President Nkurunziza: Iran is Burundiˈs friend in need

Bujumbura, Feb 4, IRNA – Burundiˈs President Pierre Nkurunziza here on Wednesday appreciated Iranˈs all out support for his country, arguing that Iran is his countryˈs friend in need, and therefore its friend indeed. ˈThe Islamic Republic of Iran is a precious friend for us, and Bujumbura wishes to expand comprehensive relations with Tehran,ˈ said the African countryˈs president in a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. He referred to the problems facing Burundi, including 10 years of civil war, reiterating that today the country is pursuing a comprehensive economic development plan and hopes to be able to benefit from Iranˈs experience and capabilities in this regard. The Iranian foreign minister, too, in the meeting expressed satisfaction with the good bilateral relations between Tehran and Bujumbura, voicing Iranˈs readiness for expansion of brotherly cooperation with Republic of Burundi. ˈThe Iranian private sector is ready for economic cooperation with partners from Burundi and the Iranian government supports such cooperation,ˈ said Zarif, referring to Iranian private sector activistsˈ meeting with their Burundian counterparts. The Iranian top diplomat who began his tour of African countries with visits to Kenya, Uganda and Burundi began the last leg of his tour with a visit of Tanzania after his meeting with Burundiˈs president. Zarifˈs African working tour will end on Thursday.