Iranian president embarks on a rare trip to Africa

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi starts a three-day trip to Africa in a bid to reduce Iran’s diplomatic isolation.

The three-day trip which includes Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will be the first by an Iranian president to Africa in 11 years. Raisi will head a delegation that includes Iran’s foreign minister as well as senior businesspeople.

He is scheduled to meet with presidents from the three countries, according to the official IRNA news agency. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the trip as “a new turning point” which could bolster economic and trade ties with African nations.

He also said the rapprochement is based “on common political views” between Tehran and the three African countries.

Iran has stepped up its diplomacy in recent months to reduce its isolation and offset the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal.

On Saturday, Raisi welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in a bid to boost relations with Algiers.