Tehran:Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized the need for enhanced economic, political, and cultural cooperation with Nigeria, citing significant untapped potential in the bilateral relationship.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, President Pezeshkian made these remarks while receiving the credentials of Nigeria's newly appointed ambassador to Iran, Hamza Mohammed Salau. He highlighted the positive perception of Nigeria among Iranians and urged the new ambassador to work on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in economic, cultural, and political domains.

President Pezeshkian pointed out opportunities for collaboration through international organizations such as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and expressed Iran's readiness to utilize available capacities to develop ties with Nigeria. He also addressed regional issues, attributing current crises to the policies of the United States and Israel, and called for Muslim countries to resist destabilization efforts.

The Iranian president mentioned recent tensions involving Iran, stating that the country's responses were in self-defense and criticized those believing that aggression would lead to Iran's surrender. He advocated for genuine peace efforts through understanding and constructive engagement, rather than coercion.

Ambassador Salau conveyed greetings from Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed condolences for the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He committed to fostering stronger bilateral relations, identifying economic cooperation, agriculture, and healthcare as promising sectors, and expressed optimism that his tenure would advance shared goals.