Zimbabwe calls for strategic economic partnership with Iran
Bright Kupemba, the Zimbabwean ambassador to Iran, underscored on Tuesday the longstanding and robust relations between the two countries, calling for the expansion of bilateral ties into a sustainable and strategic economic partnership.
“The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Zimbabwe have deep historical roots that date back to Zimbabwe’s independence era. These relations have always been stable and built on mutual trust,” Kupemba said in a meeting with business people in the northwestern Iranian city of Zanjan.
Stressing that the connection between the two countries should extend beyond economic interactions, the Zimbabwean ambassador said, “There is a strong and strategic political bond between the leaders of Iran and Zimbabwe. Both countries believe that these political relations should effectively transform into extensive and robust economic ties.”
Pointing to formal cooperation mechanisms between Harare and Tehran, Kupemba said, “The Joint Commission for Cooperation between Iran and Zimbabwe is one of the most important platforms for developing bilateral relations.”
Referring to the sanctions imposed on both countries, he said, “A large part of the trade between Iran and Zimbabwe is conducted through third countries. The import of tobacco, gold, and precious stones from Zimbabwe to Iran, and the export of bitumen, tractors, machinery, industrial fuels, plastics, carpets, and agricultural products from Iran to Zimbabwe are among the main axes of trade between the two countries.”
The ambassador described Iran’s pharmaceutical industry as one of the key areas of cooperation, adding, “Zimbabwe warmly welcomes investment from Iranian companies in the fields of drug production, medical equipment, and technology transfer.”