Iranian president’s visit to Zim, Kenya and Uganda...

Iranian president’s visit to Zim, Kenya and Uganda marks new era in relations

Zim Now Writer

Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, who was expected in Nairobi yesterday is now set to arrive in Kenya today for his visit to three African countries: Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda, marking a new chapter in the foreign relations to create new opportunities for economic progress.

“We can describe this trip as a new starting point to have a surge in economic and trade ties alongside boosting political and cultural relations with countries on this continent,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani while addressing reporters on Monday.

Kenya's foreign ministry said that the visit which includes a presidential bilateral meeting was delayed until Wednesday morning so key memoranda of understanding could be finalized “that are central to the furtherance of relations.”

Sources indicate that Iran could be interested in exploring opportunities in trade and investment in Zimbabwe.

Iranian Agriculture Minister Alireza Peyman Pak recently said that Iran has turned its eye on opportunities in Africa after realising that other countries like China have been focusing on strengthening relations with the continent.

“An African dollar is the same as a European dollar. Interests are the same. The global economy requires us to interact with any opportunities on an international scale and improve our foreign currency incomes,” said Alireza Peyman Pak

He also said that Iran could exchange goods with African countries in circumstances in which banking systems are weak or sanctions present challenges, an opportunity for Zimbabwe which is facing sanctions from western countries.

Alireza Peyman Pak said Iran exports to Africa had risen to $1.2bn worth of goods and services in 2022 and that there is room for more.

The African continent has a fifth of the world's landmass, nearly half of the world's gold, a third of the world's minerals, 12% of the world’s oil and 8% of the world natural gas reserves.

Like Zimbabwe, Iran appears to be on a mission of reengagement. On Saturday, President Raisi welcomed the Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. In June President Raisi visited Latin America before heading to Indonesia.

In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore ties under a China-mediated deal.

This is the first visit to Africa by an Iranian leader in 11 years. Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran visited Zimbabwe.