Burkina Faso has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said on Thursday.

"The government of Burkina Faso decides, as of today (May 24), to sever its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan," said the foreign minister in a statement to the press.

"The President of Faso Roch Marc Christian Kabore instructed me as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to make all necessary arrangements for the closure of our embassy in Taipei and that of Taiwan in our country," said the minister.

Barry said the decision by the Burkina Faso government was made to "defend the interests of Burkina Faso and his people" and to "form better partnerships to consolidate his socio-economic development."