TEHRAN, Aug 17 (Shana) – Deputy Minister of Petroleum for International and Commercial Affairs Amir-Hossein Zamaninia and Burundi Foreign Minister Alain Aime Nyamitwe on Tuesday discussed oil cooperation.

Nyamitwe had earlier met and conferred with Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif on cooperation in academic domain.

In February 2015, the Iranian foreign minister paid a diplomatic tour of four East African countries - Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania – which has been described as the beginning of a new chapter in Tehran’s ties with African countries.

Iran already has a significant presence in agricultural and economic projects in some African countries and has been a major contributor to humanitarian missions across the continent over the past years.

Iran's active diplomacy in Africa has been construed as a sign of the country's willingness to engage deeper in Africa's political and economic equations; a move that can secure the country’s foothold in the region following the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program.

By SHANA