Iran Seeks Closer Economic Ties with Africa under Free Trade Framework: Araqchi

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s commitment to strengthening its economic cooperation with the African continent, emphasizing the mutual benefits of closer collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the African Union, marked globally as Africa Day, Araqchi praised Africa’s growing efforts toward unity, development, and global engagement. The event was attended by African ambassadors and senior Iranian officials.

“Today, we witness Africa’s prudent efforts to achieve significant accomplishments, among which the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area stands out as one of the most important,” said Araqchi in his address. He described AfCFTA as the largest trade zone in the world, encompassing over 1.4 billion people, and a critical vehicle for future cooperation between Iran and African nations.

Araqchi highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Iran and the African continent, calling for a new phase of cooperation grounded in economic complementarity. “Africa’s abundance of natural resources and Iran’s access to modern technology provide a suitable response to the needs of both sides,” he noted.

He cited the recent success of the third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Forum, held in April, as a promising indicator of a “bright future” for expanded partnerships. The Foreign Minister underscored Iran’s readiness to engage across a range of sectors, including political affairs, mining, infrastructure, scientific exchange, health, agriculture, and education.

Araqchi also invoked the enduring legacies of Africa’s liberation leaders—Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, and Nelson Mandela—while honoring Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding father, who was recently laid to rest. He stressed that the African Union has not only upheld the ideals of the Organization of African Unity but has also advanced new achievements, such as Africa’s ongoing bid for representation on the United Nations Security Council.

The Iranian Foreign Minister reaffirmed that the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian places special emphasis on elevating ties with Africa. “The Islamic Republic of Iran proudly and in recognition of this longstanding and humanitarian friendship expresses its readiness to cooperate in all possible fields,” Araqchi stated.

In closing, Araqchi reiterated that Iran will continue to stand by Africa and views the continent’s prosperity as a shared goal. “The Global South coalition reflects the determination of our nations for a shared destiny and brotherhood on the path of growth and development,” he concluded.