Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, has arrived in Africa for a state visit for the first time in his term of office during a three-day trip.
During his trip to Africa, he would visit Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The arch-conservative politician began his trip in Nairobi, where he signed five cooperation agreements with Kenyan President, William Ruto, on Wednesday, according to Iran’s presidential office.
Iran is striving for greater economic independence in the face of extensive international sanctions, especially over Iran’s nuclear programme.
All three African countries already have good relations with Iran, see the country as a major trading partner and investor, and also work together in the science, sports and technology sectors.
Kenya, as a coastal state on the Indian Ocean, is considered the gateway to African markets for Iranian exports.
In spite of Kenya’s warm relations with the West, the country sees Iran as a promising partner.
Iran is also seeking to expand economic cooperation with Uganda.
Relations between Uganda and the U.S. have been strained after Uganda enacted one of the toughest anti-homosexuality laws in the world.
In Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa, Tehran is particularly involved in agriculture, mining and the electricity sector.
Strict Western sanctions on Iran are focused in particular on preventing the country from developing atomic weapons.
Tehran insisted that its nuclear programme was only used for civilian purposes. (dpa/NAN)