Iranian Parliament Speaker Highlights Ethiopia as a Key Partner for Economic Cooperation in Africa

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Speaker of Iran’s Parliament (Majlis), Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic significance as a gateway for strengthening Iran’s economic ties with Africa. Upon his return to Mehrabad Airport in Tehran on Friday evening, Qalibaf reflected on the outcomes of his two-day visit to Addis Ababa.

During his visit, held at the invitation of Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chaffo, Qalibaf engaged in discussions focused on bolstering economic and political collaboration. As members of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, Iran and Ethiopia explored ways to address banking challenges within the bloc’s framework, aiming to facilitate smoother financial transactions and economic integration.

Describing Ethiopia as Africa’s second-most populous country, where Muslims make up half the population, Qalibaf underscored its potential as a major partner for Iran. He highlighted Ethiopia’s status as the fifth-largest economy on the continent and emphasized the strategic geographical link between the Persian Gulf and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which could serve as a vital trade corridor connecting Asia and Africa via Iran’s Bandar Abbas port.

In addition to high-level meetings, Qalibaf met with Iranian expatriates and businesses in Ethiopia, gaining insight into their concerns and exploring opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

This visit marks a significant step in Iran’s efforts to deepen its presence in Africa, leveraging Ethiopia’s economic potential and its role within the BRICS alliance to forge stronger ties with the continent.