Veep says Iran prioritizes greater economic relations with Africa
Vice President Mohammadreza Aref emphasized that the development of economic and trade relations with the African continent is a key priority of Iran’s foreign policy.
Speaking at a meeting with African ambassadors in Tehran, Aref stressed that the natural resources of nations are their undeniable right and called for increased solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.
Aref criticized Western nations for their “unjust sanctions and actions” against Iran, stating that the reality of Iranian society is vastly different from what the West portrays.
Aref highlighted Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities, asserting that the country’s strategy is to ensure all nations have access to advanced technologies.
He noted that such technologies, developed with the help of scientists and experts, are essential for improving the welfare and quality of life for people worldwide.
The veep pointed to Iran’s achievements in nuclear energy in health, technical, and agricultural fields, emphasizing that Iran seeks peaceful nuclear energy for all nations.
Aref reiterated Iran’s stance against the non-peaceful use of nuclear technology, referencing the country’s religious decree (fatwa) prohibiting such use and accused Western nations of misrepresenting Iran’s peaceful intentions and creating unnecessary fear about its nuclear program.
Strengthening comprehensive ties with Africa
Aref welcomed the African diplomats and described Africa as a continent with rich spiritual and material resources, holding a special place in Iran’s foreign policy.
He acknowledged that while political relations with African nations have grown, economic, agricultural, cultural, and scientific ties have not kept pace and called for enhanced cooperation to achieve comprehensive and sustainable relations in all areas.
The VP outlined Iran’s strategy to strengthen ties with African countries through bilateral, multilateral, and regional frameworks. He emphasized the importance of leveraging existing capacities and resources to foster development and serve the people of both regions.
Aref also highlighted Iran’s active participation in various international and regional unions, which he said contributes significantly to the development of these relations.
Africa’s economic potential
Aref expressed optimism about Africa’s economic potential, noting its 54 countries, a population of 1.4 billion, and abundant natural resources.
He described Africa as a region with high economic growth, a young workforce, and vast markets, positioning it as a future global driving force and stressed the need to take relations with Africa more seriously to capitalize on this potential.
Aref also announced the revival of the Africa Task Force under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, which aims to evaluate and facilitate Iran’s relations with African countries and organizations. The task force, chaired by the VP, will address obstacles to cooperation and oversee the expansion of ties in various fields.
He also mentioned the upcoming third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Summit, scheduled for early next Iranian year, coinciding with Iran’s Expo 2025.
Aref expressed hope that high-ranking African delegations would attend the summit and exhibition, fostering greater awareness of Iran’s capabilities and opportunities for collaboration.
Addressing obstacles to expanding relations
Aref acknowledged challenges such as insufficient air and maritime transportation infrastructure and banking issues, which hinder the expansion of relations with Africa.
He stated that relevant bodies have been directed to address these obstacles and highlighted the role of joint commissions in advancing bilateral cooperation, noting that some commissions had been inactive for too long and needed to be revitalized.
Aref identified new areas for cooperation, including trade, private sector engagement, science and technology, techno-engineering services, tourism, and agriculture.
He emphasized the private sector’s role in driving economic and trade relations and pledged government support to facilitate private sector activities.
He also expressed Iran’s readiness to collaborate on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and to support joint projects in these fields.
Aref highlighted tourism as a key area for strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering sustainable relations, urging support for this sector.
Aref underscored the importance of agricultural cooperation, including the purchase of agricultural products, research programs, and cross-border farming initiatives with African nations.
He expressed Iran’s readiness to engage in these areas to enhance mutual benefits.
Role of ambassadors
Aref praised the constructive remarks of African representatives at the meeting, interpreting them as a sign of Africa’s determination to strengthen ties with Iran.
He emphasized the importance of ambassadors in promoting mutual understanding and addressing obstacles to cooperation.
The VP invited senior African officials to visit Iran, expressing hope for brotherly and friendly relations and called on African nations to adopt a similar approach in their dealings with Iran, aiming to overcome challenges and deepen ties.
During the meeting, African ambassadors in Iran shared their views and proposed strategies for enhancing comprehensive cooperation between Iran and the African continent.