Iranian president focuses on trade deals during African tour
President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran announced plans to increase economic and business dealings with Kenya by tenfold, adding that elevated cooperation between the two countries will include others in East Africa as Tehran seeks fresh engagement with the continent.
Raisi, speaking Wednesday at a Nairobi press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, said he hopes to see Iran partner on science and tech, as well as agriculture, fisheries, and the petrochemical sector. He envisions regional cooperation on fighting corruption as well.
“Today, African countries and our friend Kenya have a great desire to use Iranian products in their markets. The Kenyan authorities have already created suitable grounds for increasing trade relations between the two countries, and with this trip, which will be a turning point in the development of bilateral relations.”
Ruto said trade volume between Kenya and Iran is still low, but plans to increase trade include deals on meat, tea, and coffee. The two leaders also signed memoranda of understanding on housing and urban development.
Raisi began a three-nation tour in Kenya, with his Nairobi schedule delayed by one day before he traveled on to Uganda. He began his visit with President Yoweri Museveni in a private meeting at the presidential palace in Kampala.
The Iranian leader is expected to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Image: Presidency Kenya
Laureen Fagan
Laureen is the editor of Africa Times
Laureen is a freelance journalist creating high-quality, informed content on international affairs, politics and technology. She has worked both in and out of newsrooms since 2000. She is a former paramedic with significant experience in community resilience and nonprofit community development initiatives, and maintains "a passion for action" on sustainability and climate change. She also is trained in conflict resolution and diversity, and has special interests in science and medical reporting, and culture and religion issues. Laureen received her MSJ from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in the United States, and completed additional graduate study in theology at University of Notre Dame. Follow Laureen on Mastodon at @laureen@m.ai6yr.org
