Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi leaves Kenya after one-day State visit

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has jetted out of the country following a successful one-day State visit during which he was hosted by his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto.

The two Heads of State signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the aim of strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, who saw off President Raisi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday evening, said another 6 MoUs between the two nations are set for signing at a later date.

“These signed agreements provide the basis for continuing socio-economic and commercial engagements between Kenya and Iran especially in the context of expanded markets for Kenya’s livestock and tea, as well as collaborations in the areas of Health, Pharmaceuticals and in ICT,” noted Dr. Mutua.

“Likewise, Iran has agreed to the establishment of a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya which will provide jobs for Kenyans among other related benefits.”

The MoUs signed by Presidents Ruto and Raisi at State House in the morning included cooperation in the field of animal health and livestock production which aims to provide mutual cooperation to control, prevent and eradicate animal diseases and facilitate trade of commodities between the two nations.

Another was in the field of Information Communication and Technology, which aims to establish a framework for consultation and cooperation on the basis of equality of mutual benefit to facilitate, strengthen, develop and diversify the sector.

President Raisi’s rare Africa tour is part of Iran’s latest diplomatic efforts to reduce the Islamic nation's isolation by forging new alliances.

His three-day trip to the continent also includes Uganda and Zimbabwe and will be the first by an Iranian President to Africa in 11 years.