Kenya and Iran have affirmed their commitment to working together towards fostering unity and deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.
This was revealed on Wednesday, July 12, when President William Ruto hosted his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi for a State visit in Nairobi.
The two leaders signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in areas of cooperation including ICT, fisheries, animal health and livestock products, and investment promotion.
President Ruto stated that the new partnership cements a longstanding relationship with Iran and will promote trade, particularly in the export of Kenyan products to Iran.
"I express our gratitude and commitment to expanding and deepening these relations. President Raisi and I had the opportunity to exchange views and share ideas about emerging opportunities and the balance of trade between our two countries," said Ruto.
Kenya exported tea worth Sh4 billion to Tehran in the first quarter of 2023, an eightfold increase from sales in the same period the previous year.
"Kenya and Iran are strategically situated to be each other's key points of entry into our respective regions, and we have affirmed our joint commitment to capitalize on this unique advantage," he added.
In the spirit of further bolstering bilateral relations, Iran agreed to boost Kenya's exports, exploits, and pursuits in the blue economy through research and technology.
At the same time, Iran will set up a motor vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa to manufacture indigenous Iranian vehicles.
Kenya and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations since 1963, and although the trade volume between the two countries has been relatively modest, they have collaborated in various areas such as education, culture, and security.
On his part, President Raisi exuded confidence that the new partnership will provide an opportunity for Kenya and Iran to share ideas and experiences.
Raisi arrived in the country on Wednesday morning after his anticipated arrival on Tuesday was aborted at the last minute under unclear circumstances.
He is expected to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding with his tour to Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The tour marks Raisi’s first visit to Africa in 11 years.
