Why it matters:
As Iran seeks to diversify its international partnerships amid mounting Western pressure, deeper engagement with African nations is becoming a strategic priority. Araghchi’s remarks reinforce Tehran’s positioning as a reliable partner to the Global South.
The big picture:
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of the African Union at Tehran’s Esteghlal Hotel, Araghchi praised Africa’s anti-colonial legacy and reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing solidarity with the continent. The event, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” was attended by several African ambassadors based in Tehran.
What he's saying:
- Iran, considering its deep-rooted relations with Africa, seeks economic cooperation with this region within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area and African countries, believing that Iran and African countries can complement each other in this arena and expand their millennia-old ties.
- Africa’s abundance of natural resources and Iran’s access to modern technology provide a suitable response to the needs of both sides. Moreover, the successful holding of the third round of Iran-Africa economic cooperation forum last month, warmly welcomed by your high-ranking officials, promises a bright future for expanding cooperation between Iran and Africa, which will be further strengthened in upcoming summits.
- The Islamic Republic of Iran has stood alongside Africa as a longstanding friend. Now, more than half a century after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides, we must take worthy steps to preserve these relations. The Global South coalition, by initiating a new plan and new order, reflects the determination of our nations for shared destiny and brotherhood on the path of growth and development.
- Iran proudly and in recognition of this longstanding and humanitarian friendship expresses its readiness to cooperate in all possible fields including political, economic, small and medium industries, mining and infrastructure, exchange of professors and students, scientific achievements, human resource training, health tourism, medical services and equipment, agriculture, irrigation networks, dam construction, and other similar areas with African friends.
Go deeper:
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Mojtaba Darabi
