Iranian President prepares to visit Africa

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit three African countries next week. (Source: AFP)

Iran Press reported on July 9 that this is the first visit by an Iranian president to the African continent in 11 years. The purpose of the 3-day trip is to strengthen political and trade cooperation with African countries.

The agenda of the visit will include bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, as well as joint sessions with high-level delegations of the host countries, during which a series of cooperation agreements are expected to be signed.

President Raisi will also participate in meetings with business leaders and economic officials from Iran and host countries, aiming to diversify Iran's export markets and promote trade cooperation with foreign countries.

In line with the Iranian government 's economic engagement policy, the visits are aimed at boosting Iran's presence in the $600 billion African economy.

According to Tasnim news agency, after taking office in August 2021, President Raisi adopted a new foreign policy towards neighboring countries, Muslim countries, Asian countries and members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In comments early in 2022, Raisi described plans to establish and strengthen ties with African countries as a priority in Tehran's foreign policy. Iran seeks to strengthen ties with African countries in all fields.