Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi has embarked on a three-country tour of Africa, including visits to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, in an effort to strengthen trade relations and counter the impact of crippling U.S. sanctions. This tour marks the first visit by an Iranian president to the continent in over a decade and signifies Iran's determination to diversify its economic ties.
Upon his arrival in Kenya on July 12, president Raisi received a warm reception from his Kenyan counterpart, president William Ruto. The two leaders engaged in bilateral talks, during which Iran expressed its commitment to supporting Kenya's manufacturing, health, and blue economy sectors through research and technology collaboration. The Kenyan government, in turn, expressed its desire to enhance trade volumes with Iran, with a particular focus on exporting tea, meat, and other agricultural products to Iran, which could serve as a gateway to Central Asian countries.
President Raisi's visit to Africa highlights Iran's efforts to strengthen ties with developing nations as it grapples with the consequences of U.S. sanctions imposed after the United States withdrew from the nuclear pact in 2018. In June, Raisi undertook a diplomatic mission to three Latin American countries to garner support from allies facing similar sanctions.
As per Iran's foreign ministry, the country's trade with African nations is projected to exceed $2bn this year, although no comparative figure for 2022 was provided. The tour aims to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between Iran and the African countries visited.
In addition to Kenya, president Raisi is scheduled to meet with Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni to discuss trade and bilateral relations. He will then proceed to Zimbabwe as part of his tour. The last Iranian leader to visit Africa was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2013.
The visit to Kenya, considered East Africa's economic powerhouse, presents an occasion for the two countries to review and revitalize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their citizens, as stated by Kenya's foreign ministry.
President Raisi's tour of Africa demonstrates Iran's commitment to strengthening economic ties with the continent and finding alternative avenues for trade amidst the challenges posed by U.S. sanctions.
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