Why is Iranian President Courting African Countries?

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s state visit to Kenya was shrouded by speculations many alleging of a diplomatic tiff between the two countries.

President Ebrahim Raisi was scheduled to hold a meeting with President William Ruto on Tuesday 11th July, but was rescheduled for Wednesday, July 12.

On Monday 10th July, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the trip as “a new turning point” which could bolster economic and trade ties with African nations.

Ruto and Raisi are expected to hold talks regarding cooperation on energy, trade, agriculture, and technology.

On his part, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Tuesday 11th July, provided details over the postponement of the said visit to State House

Dr Mutua explained that the two countries agreed to reschedule the visit to review the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

“The President of Iran, His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, was scheduled to arrive in the country for a visit today. The visit was to provide the two countries with an opportunity to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

The schedule of the President has now been reviewed to allow for the finalization of key MoUs that are central to the furtherance of relations. The Iranian President will now arrive tomorrow for a State Visit,” read the statement in part.

Mutua indicated that Ruto would host Raisi at 7 am and hold bilateral talks with the visiting delegation.

“The President will be at State House at 7.00 am tomorrow for a bilateral meeting. He will, thereafter, proceed to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding to tour other African countries,” he stated.

These cancellations were also confirmed by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed who confirmed that the joint press conference had been canceled after consultations. 

At the time, he indicated that details of his future visit would be provided in due course.

Kenya was among two other countries that were to be visited by Raisi. The visiting Head of State is also scheduled to visit Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Iran has strategized its diplomatic approaches in recent months to address its isolation and offset the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from a conscientiously negotiated nuclear deal.

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