During a meeting with Iran’s newly appointed ambassadors to China, Azerbaijan, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Cuba, and Uruguay, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that expanding cooperation with various countries strengthens Iran against external pressures and economic shocks, emphasizing that ambassadors are at the forefront of advancing Iran’s global relations and interactions.

Why it matters:

Iran seeks to reinforce its global partnerships amid economic challenges and geopolitical shifts, positioning diplomacy as a vital tool for economic resilience and political stability.

 

The big picture: 

Tehran is prioritizing relations with China, Azerbaijan, Africa, and Latin America to broaden its strategic alliances and economic outreach, leveraging mutual interests to counter global pressures.

 

What he's saying:

“You are at the forefront of expanding the Islamic Republic’s interactions with the world,” Pezeshkian told the ambassadors, emphasizing the need for precise planning and collaboration to maximize mutual benefits.

 

Key points:

  • Iran’s diplomatic ties with China and Azerbaijan are progressing well, with strengthened cooperation following Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Baku.
  • Africa and Latin America are emerging as priority regions for Iran’s foreign policy, with strategic planning underway to enhance relations based on mutual interests.
  • Ambassadors were tasked with assessing opportunities for private sector engagement and economic collaboration.

 

Go deeper:

Iran’s foreign policy consultations have underscored the significance of deepening ties with non-Western countries. Pezeshkian’s approach signals a broader strategy to navigate economic challenges through diplomacy and regional integration.

Rahmani Fazli, Iran's ambassador to China; Demirchilou, ambassador to Azerbaijan; Meygooni, ambassador to Ivory Coast; Pasandideh, ambassador to Mexico; Naderi, ambassador to Cuba; and Bani Asad, ambassador to Uruguay, also provided explanations during the meeting about their plans to expand relations with the countries where they are stationed.

Ashkan Salehian