Iran, Kenya sign five cooperation agreements

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran and Kenya have signed five cooperation agreements in communication, mining, fishery, agriculture, culture, and tourism soon after President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in the African country.

The agreements were signed by the heads of the political and economic delegations of the two countries on Wednesday, with the presence of President Raisi and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto.

Raisi arrived in Kenya earlier in the day on the first leg of his three-nation tour of Africa, which will also take him to Uganda and Zimbabwe.

He was greeted by Kenyan Foreign Secretary Alfred Mutua upon his arrival at the Nairobi airport and was later officially welcomed by Ruto at the Kenyan presidential palace.

A 21-gun salute was also performed in honor of the Iranian president and his accompanying delegation, followed by a meeting between the two presidents.

This is the first time after 11 years that an Iranian president makes a tour of Africa.

Holding bilateral meetings, attending intergovernmental committees and meeting with businesses and economic officials of the three countries are on the agenda of Raisi’s visit.

Raisi: 10-fold increase in economic ties on agenda

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart, Raisi said Iran and Kenya have great capacities to expand their bilateral cooperation, and paying attention to these capacities can help improve the relations between the two countries.

“A 10-fold increase in the economic relations was put on the agenda,” he said, expressing hope that the Tehran-Nairobi relations expand day by day.

“We warmly shake the hands of all the governments of the African continent,” Raisi said. “Africa is the continent of capacities. Iran views African countries as full of capacities, talents, and natural and mineral resources. We also have many capacities. The exchange of these capacities can help the two countries progress.”

He also said Iran has experience in the fields of petrochemicals, agriculture, and science and technology, adding that the two sides can have good cooperation in the field of fisheries.

“This trip, which is a turning point in our relations, can create a good market for Iranian products in Kenya and East Africa. In the exchanges and conversations I had with the president of Kenya, [we agreed that] the two countries should provide the basis for the expansion of bilateral relations.”

The Iranian president maintained that Iran and Kenya’s shared stance on the fight against narcotics can be used to further expand bilateral relations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Raisi noted that thanks to the Islamic Revolution and the Supreme Leader’s guidelines, Iran has managed to withstand sanctions and threats while making progress in various scientific, technological, and economic fields.

He also appreciated the warm welcome of the Kenyan government and people, adding, “We will be able to host the President of Kenya in Tehran soon.”

Ruto: Kenya welcomes Iranian investors with open arms

For his part, the Kenyan president said his country welcomes Iranian investors and businesspeople with open arms, vowing to create a suitable environment for them.

He said the two sides agreed that Iran will set up a car assembly plant in Kenya and produce Iranian cars to be sold in the African country under Swahili names.

“I am certain that these projects will not be stopped,” Ruto said.

He also described Raisi’s visit to Nairobi as very fruitful and a wonderful opportunity for his country. He said the trip will strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.