Iran, Zimbabwe ink 12 cooperation documents

The two countries high ranking-officials signed cooperation agreements for energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications as well as research, science and technology projects.

Raeisi touched on US sanctions imposed on Iran and Zimbabwe, saying the Islamic Republic would work hard to forge closer economic ties.

"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 Raeisi.

The two presidents signed "a record" 12 agreements on topics ranging from energy to telecommunications, Mnangagwa said. These will help Zimbabwe access innovation and technology from Iran and envisage the creation of a tractor factory to support agricultural mechanization, he added.

"I am happy you have come to show solidarity," Mnangagwa told President Raeisi on arrival, calling him "my brother".

Raeisi has arrived in Zimbabwe on the last leg of his three-nation tour of Africa and was officially welcomed by his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Thursday.

Raeisi and Mnangagwa held a meeting after the welcoming ceremony. The Iranian and Zimbabwean delegations also exchanged views on the expansion of bilateral relations.

The Iranian President has already visited Kenya and Uganda as part of his Africa tour.

In Kenya, Raeisi held talks with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, and oversaw the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs). He also visited Iran’s Innovation and Technology House in Nairobi and met with Iranian and Kenyan businessmen and economic activists.

In Uganda, four MoUs were signed in the presence of Raeisi and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

MNA/