The Iranian president’s Africa visit is also meant to “strengthen political relations with friendly and aligned countries, and diversify the export destinations,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement upon his arrival.
Iran, which is subject to severe US economic sanctions, is seeking to strengthen its international relations and has begun a rare visit to Africa.
The visit to Kenya by President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday marks the absence of an Iranian president from the continent of Africa for more than a decade. He is also anticipated to visit and meet with the presidents of Zimbabwe and Uganda.
According to Raisi, Africa is a “continent of opportunities” and a fantastic market for Iranian goods. He refused to answer inquiries. “None of us are satisfied with the current volume of trade,” he declared.
The petrochemical expertise of Iran and the mineral resources of Africa were specifically mentioned by the leader of Iran, but neither topic appeared to be covered in the five memoranda of understanding that Iran and Kenya signed on Wednesday. Instead, they focused on fisheries, animal health and livestock production, information, communication, and technology, as well as investment promotion.
William Ruto, the president of Kenya, referred to Iran as a “critical strategic partner” and a “global innovation powerhouse.” In addition to tea, he expressed interest in boosting Kenya’s agricultural exports to Iran and Central Asia.
According to Ruto, Iran also plans to establish a vehicle manufacturing facility in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa.
Raisi’s Africa visit is meant to “promote economic diplomacy, strengthen political relations with friendly and aligned countries, and diversify the export destinations,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement upon his arrival.
