President Ruto and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, today, Wednesday, 12th July, inked five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) of trade in a bid to benefit the two nations through bilateral relations mutually. This happened as Iran decided to step up its diplomatic outreach to developing world countries after then-U.S. President Donald Trump ditched a nuclear pact in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions. This trip seeks to diversify Iran’s economic ties in the face of crippling USA sanctions. The current visit marks the first in eleven years for an Iranian president to visit Africa.
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The signed MoUs highlight, firstly, the need for the two countries to cooperate on the basis of mutual benefit to strengthen and develop Information and Communication Technology. The second MoU highlighted the need for cooperation in the animal health field to eradicate and prevent animal diseases. Thirdly, it was agreed between the two nations to cooperate in the fisheries sector to enhance the blue economy’s productivity as well as catalyze the local fishing industry. The fourth MoU focuses on culture and heritage in ways that the two nations will mutually benefit, including the conservation and preservation of cultural and historical heritage. Lastly, the MoU focused on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) to offer mutual benefit in the field of exchanging educational experiences, training, educational consultancy, and equipping TVET centres. In addition, President William Ruto highlighted the intent of Iran to establish a car manufacturing and assembly plant in Mombasa under the name ‘Kifaru’.
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The two heads of state are positive that the above MoUs will improve their bilateral trade relations, increase their export proceeds from the two individual countries, and also help in product penetration into the respective regions. President Raisi is also set to visit Uganda and Zimbabwe on his African tour.
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