Emmerson Mnangagwa, president of Zimbabwe, urged nations under Western sanctions to work together on Thursday while hosting the leader of another international outlier, Iran.
In an effort to lessen the Islamic Republic’s isolation from the rest of the world, President Ebrahim Raisi arrived for the final part of the first African tour undertaken by an Iranian leader in 11 years.
In the midst of an election campaign for the closely-watched presidential and legislative elections on August 23, Raisi is the most well-known leader to visit Zimbabwe.
“It is critically important that we, the victims of Western sanctions, are talking to each other… that we show them that we’re united,” Mnangagwa told a press briefing after talks with Raisi.
“I am happy you have come to show solidarity,” Mnangagwa told Raisi on arrival, calling him “my brother”.
Mnangagwa, 80, who is running for re-election in what observers expect to be a contentious election, has long attributed his country’s precarious economic situation to sanctions imposed by the US and the EU.
Western nations respond that the penalties are directed at particular people who have been accused of corruption and violating human rights rather than the entire nation.
With Russia and the West vying for support over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which has had a catastrophic economic impact on the continent and driven up food prices, Africa has become a diplomatic battleground.
Along with India and China, Western powers have also attempted to strengthen trade links with Africa.
- ‘Continent of capacities, potentials’
At Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, hundreds of people carrying the flags of Iran and Zimbabwe gathered in the morning to welcome Raisi.
Many of them, including ladies wearing headscarves and schoolchildren holding welcoming banners, were members of the country’s Muslim community in southern Africa.
According to Mnangagwa, the two leaders inked “a record” 12 agreements on matters ranging from telecommunications to energy.
These will make it easier for Zimbabwe to use Iranian innovation and technology, and they will also allow for the development of a tractor plant to aid in agricultural mechanisation, he continued.
The timing of Raisi’s travel coincides with Iran’s intensifying diplomatic efforts to lessen its isolation and counteract the effects of crushing sanctions that have been reinstated since the United States withdrew from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal in 2018.
This week, Raisi has already travelled to Kenya and Uganda to meet with Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto.
Raisi referred to Africa as “the continent of capacities and potentials” on Thursday, stating that deeper collaboration will help “the advancement” of both parties.
Nasser Kanani, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, called Raisi’s continental journey “a new turning point” that would strengthen commercial and trade ties with African countries.
The three African nations and Tehran, he added, “share common political views.”
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party spokesperson Melody Muzenda said the visit “shows we have good relations with other countries.”
