Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for stronger economic, political and cultural cooperation between Tehran and Abuja, saying the two countries have considerable untapped potential to deepen their relations.
President Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday, while receiving the credentials of Hamza Mohammed Salau, Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassador to Iran.
Highlighting the positive image of Nigeria and its people among Iranians, the president said the two countries could expand cooperation across a range of fields. He called on the new ambassador to make efforts during his tenure to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in economic, cultural and political areas.
President Pezeshkian also pointed to opportunities for closer cooperation through international organizations and mechanisms, including the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). He said Iran was ready to draw on all available capacities to develop ties with Nigeria and would welcome any initiative aimed at advancing mutual cooperation.
Turning to regional developments, the president said current crises stemmed from the hegemonic and aggressive policies of the United States and the Israeli regime. He urged Muslim countries not to allow the Israeli regime to push the region toward instability and turmoil, stressing the need for regional and Islamic solidarity to promote peace and security.
Referring to recent acts of aggression against Iran, President Pezeshkian said the current tensions had been triggered by the other side and that Iran had responded in self-defense. He added that those who believed an attack would force Iran to surrender had miscalculated.
He said parties genuinely seeking regional peace and stability should abandon coercion and attempts to impose their will on others, and instead pursue understanding and constructive engagement.
For his part, Salau conveyed the warm greetings of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Pezeshkian and the Iranian people. He also expressed his government’s condolences over the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The ambassador pledged to work toward stronger bilateral ties, describing economic cooperation, agriculture, and healthcare as promising areas. He also highlighted both countries’ shared positions in some international forums and their cultural affinities, expressing confidence that his tenure would help advance common objectives.