Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Visits Kenya, Signs Five MOUs and Discusses Expansion of Agricultural Exports
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in Kenya, marking the first visit to Africa by an Iranian leader in over a decade.
Raisi is expected to meet with the presidents of Uganda and Zimbabwe during his trip, which is aimed at promoting economic diplomacy and strengthening political relations with friendly and aligned countries.
While in Kenya, Raisi signed five memoranda of understanding with the country, covering areas such as information, communication, and technology; fisheries; animal health and livestock production; and investment promotion.
However, the agreements did not appear to address Iran's mineral resources or petrochemical expertise.
Kenyan President William Ruto described Iran as a "critical strategic partner" and "global innovation powerhouse," expressing interest in expanding Kenya's agricultural exports beyond tea to Iran and Central Asia.
Ruto also mentioned the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant for Iranian vehicles in Kenya's port city of Mombasa.
Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Raisi's Africa visit is intended to "promote economic diplomacy, strengthen political relations with friendly and aligned countries, and diversify the export destinations." The visit comes as Iran faces a growing standoff with Western nations over its nuclear program, which has made major advances in the five years since the US withdrew from an international agreement that restricted it.
The US has accused Iran of providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant, which Moscow seeks to use for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Iran has denied providing drones to Russia since the start of the war.
Kenya is East Africa's economic hub and an ally of the US, with President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, visiting the country earlier this year.
The US and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding on "strategic civil nuclear cooperation" last year, with Kenya expressing interest in using nuclear power for energy production.
However, Kenya is struggling with debt and a rising cost of living, and protests are expected to take place during Raisi's visit.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni, a US ally on security matters, has previously supported Iran's controversial nuclear program.
While in Kenya, Raisi signed five memoranda of understanding with the country, covering areas such as information, communication, and technology; fisheries; animal health and livestock production; and investment promotion.
However, the agreements did not appear to address Iran's mineral resources or petrochemical expertise.
Kenyan President William Ruto described Iran as a "critical strategic partner" and "global innovation powerhouse," expressing interest in expanding Kenya's agricultural exports beyond tea to Iran and Central Asia.
Ruto also mentioned the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant for Iranian vehicles in Kenya's port city of Mombasa.
Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Raisi's Africa visit is intended to "promote economic diplomacy, strengthen political relations with friendly and aligned countries, and diversify the export destinations." The visit comes as Iran faces a growing standoff with Western nations over its nuclear program, which has made major advances in the five years since the US withdrew from an international agreement that restricted it.
The US has accused Iran of providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant, which Moscow seeks to use for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Iran has denied providing drones to Russia since the start of the war.
Kenya is East Africa's economic hub and an ally of the US, with President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, visiting the country earlier this year.
The US and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding on "strategic civil nuclear cooperation" last year, with Kenya expressing interest in using nuclear power for energy production.
However, Kenya is struggling with debt and a rising cost of living, and protests are expected to take place during Raisi's visit.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni, a US ally on security matters, has previously supported Iran's controversial nuclear program.
