Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is set to embark on a rare Africa tour on Tuesday as part of the latest diplomatic efforts to reduce the Islamic Republic’s isolation by forging new alliances.
The three-day trip to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will be the first visit to Africa by an Iranian president in 11 years.
Raisi will lead a delegation that will include Iran’s foreign minister and senior business leaders. According to reports, he is scheduled to meet with the presidents of the three countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, described the trip on Monday as a “new turning point” that could strengthen economic and trade ties with African nations.
He also stated that the reconciliation is based on “common political views” between Iran and the three African countries.
Iran has increased its diplomacy in recent months to reduce its isolation and mitigate the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the United States’ withdrawal from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal in 2018.
Raisi welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on Saturday in an effort to improve relations with Algiers.
The Islamic Republic joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which also includes Russia, China, and India, last week.
Under a deal mediated by China, Iran agreed to normalise relations with its regional rival, Saudi Arabia, in March. It has since sought to rebuild relations with other countries in the region, including Egypt and Morocco.
Raisi embarked on a Latin America tour in June, visiting Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba before heading to Indonesia.