By LOANH KIBET

KENYA: Iran is rooting for increased trade with the Kenya but has accused some Western countries of frustrating their efforts in the process.

Islamic Republic of Iran to Kenya Ambassador Malek H Givzad  said the two countries have been enjoying good relations for a long time, but some Western countries have been frustrating efforts to expand their links.

“The (the Western countries) cannot tolerate good relations between other countries. They want certain countries to go through their channels,” Ambassador Malek said.

He also said his country condemned all acts of terrorism and were in the forefront in the fight against the vice.

Explosives

A Kenyan court recently found two Iranian nationals guilty of planning to attack Western targets in Kenya.

The two, Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammad and Sayed Mansour Mousavi, were arrested in June 2012 and led officials to a 15-kilogram (33-pound) stash of explosive and were charged.

Magistrate Kaire Waweru Kiare said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt all counts against the two.

Ambassador Malek also said they are keen to further the current good relations between the two countries and are looking forward to working with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.

“Iran is positive towards the future of Kenya which is bright. There are private and public investors in Kenya and there are also other projects in hand to boost the relations,” he said.

He was speaking during the Islamic Women’s Day forum held at a Nairobi hotel yesterday.

He appealed to Muslim women to follow in the steps of Lady Fatima Zahra, an Iranian woman who played an important role in the society.

Girl child education

“Lessons learnt from her include being a good wife, playing an active role in society and teaching and helping fellow women,” Ambassador Malek said.

Al Maktoum Girls Secondary School principal Sis Fardosa Mulemi stressed the importance of educating a girl child among the Muslim community.

“Educate a girl child, educate a woman and you will see the difference from those who have not been educated,” she pressed. Those present were also enlighten on importance of Hijab among other Islamic subjects.