Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi concluded his three-nation Africa tour on Thursday with a highly productive one-day state visit to Zimbabwe, cementing bilateral ties and exploring potential investment opportunities between the two nations. President Raisi’s visit to Zimbabwe followed his official trips to Kenya and Uganda, where he sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with African countries.
During the welcoming remarks, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended a warm invitation to Iran to explore various investment possibilities in Zimbabwe. He emphasized that Zimbabwe is open to partnerships and investments in numerous sectors, particularly mining, health, agriculture, energy, infrastructure development, and science and technology.
“We welcome investments in several sectors of our economy, especially in mining. We have vast opportunities in mining, in health, in agriculture, in energy, infrastructure development, and science and technology,” President Mnangagwa stated, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial collaborations.
Both leaders united in their condemnation of the sanctions imposed on their respective countries by Western nations, labeling them as illegal embargoes that hinder economic growth and prosperity. President Mnangagwa expressed his eagerness to exchange innovative strategies with Iran to foster sustainable economic growth and improve the living standards of their citizens despite the challenges posed by the sanctions.
“We look forward, therefore, to sharing experiences with Iran on innovative strategies on propelling the sustainable growth of our economies and raising the standard of lives of our people even under these heinous sanctions,” President Mnangagwa emphasized, advocating for a just global order.
President Raisi reciprocated the sentiments of partnership and cooperation, stating that Iran stands ready to share its capabilities with friends in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe. Acknowledging Africa’s vast potential, he emphasized the benefits of mutual advancement through collaboration with the continent.
“Our cooperation with Zimbabwe and our cooperation with the African continent, which is a continent full of potential, could help us for mutual advances,” President Raisi said, highlighting the significance of the visit in expanding bilateral relations.
In his translated speech, President Raisi’s message was clear and determined: to enhance collaboration in political, economic, trade, and science and technology sectors. The leaders signed 12 Memoranda of Understanding during the visit, covering areas such as energy, information and communications technology (ICT), education, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other fields, reaffirming their commitment to fruitful cooperation.
Furthermore, President Raisi expressed Iran’s stance against unilateralism and sanctions, emphasizing the need for fair and equal treatment in international relations.
“We are against unilateralism, we are against sanctions,” President Raisi proclaimed, aligning his country with Zimbabwe’s call for a just global order.
The state visit to Zimbabwe marks a significant step towards fostering stronger ties and harnessing the economic potential between Iran and African nations. As President Raisi’s Africa tour concludes successfully, it sets the stage for closer cooperation and partnerships that promise to benefit both regions.
