In a move aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation, Iran has committed to setting up a vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa, Kenya. The agreement was made as part of a contract signed between Iran and the Kenyan government during tour of Iranian President in kenya. The facility, located on the coast, will manufacture Iranian-made vehicles dubbed Kifaru.
To solidify this partnership, Kenya and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier today. The MoU encompasses various sectors such as housing, information and communication technology (ICT), fisheries, and agriculture. The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Nairobi, with President William Ruto hosting his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi embarked on a significant journey to Africa, signaling his country’s commitment to expanding global partnerships despite enduring substantial economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
In a notable move, President Raisi’s visit to Kenya on Wednesday marks the first time an Iranian leader has set foot on African soil in over ten years. Furthermore, his itinerary includes planned visits to Uganda and Zimbabwe, where he will engage in meetings with the respective presidents of those nations.
During the event, President Ruto expressed his gratitude for the bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly in promoting trade and exporting Kenyan products. He sought President Ebrahim Raisi’s commitment to facilitating the export of more agricultural products, including tea and meat, to Iran and other central Asian countries.
President Ruto highlighted the positive impact of the Kenyan tea industry’s exports to Iran. He mentioned that in the first quarter of this year alone, Kenya exported tea worth $28.4 million to Iran, representing an eight-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to strengthen their ties in the blue economy sector. They pledged to support entrepreneurs and promote advancements in the industry through technology and research. President Ruto expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the MoU, emphasizing its potential to unlock the underdeveloped blue economy resources in Kenya.
The establishment of the vehicle assembly plant and the broader cooperation outlined in the MoU between Kenya and Iran signify a significant step towards boosting economic growth, trade, and technological advancements in both countries.
Recently, the leader of Iran embarked on a historic journey to Latin America, marking his inaugural visit to the region. During this trip, he paid visits to Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
In the month of March, a significant diplomatic achievement took place as Iran and Saudi Arabia reached a pivotal agreement to reinstate their diplomatic relations. This breakthrough has substantial implications for regional stability and marks a notable milestone in their diplomatic interactions.
Iran is currently embroiled in an escalating confrontation with Western nations regarding its nuclear program, which has significantly progressed over the past five years since the former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his country from an international agreement designed to impose limitations on Iran.
Trump’s decision to reinstate sanctions on Iran has played a significant role in intensifying the nation’s severe economic crisis.
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