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KAMPALA, UGANDA: President Yoweri Museveni will host H.E. Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran on a 2-day official state visit to Uganda as the Iranian leader embarks on a rare Africa tour to reduce the Islamic Republic’s isolation.
During the three-day trip, President Raisi will also visit Kenya and Zimbabwe, the first visit by an Iranian leader to Africa in 11 years.
Raisi’s visit to Uganda will start on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, and conclude on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
On the first day, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks at State House, Entebbe, and address the media at 11 am.
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.
Last week, the Islamic Republic became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation which includes Russia, China, and India.
In March, Iran agreed to restore ties with its regional rival Saudi Arabia under a China-mediated deal. It has since been looking to reestablish ties with other countries in the region including Egypt and Morocco.