Raisi's Historic Africa Tour Strengthens Ties Between Iran and Zimbabwe

Ebrahim Raisi of Iran has received a warm welcome in Zimbabwe, the final stop of his first African tour in 11 years. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa greeted Raisi as “my brother” upon his arrival at Robert Mugabe International Airport, hailing Iran as a friend in Zimbabwe’s fight for independence from Britain.

Hundreds of people, including those from Zimbabwe’s Muslim community, welcomed the Iranian leader with banners and flags.

Raisi's Africa tour is an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties and ease Iran's international isolation, which has been partially shared by Zimbabwe. Talks between the two leaders are expected to cover a range of topics to develop economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said the tour is “a new turning point,” and that the two countries share common political views. The tour comes as Africa has become a diplomatic battleground, with Russia, the West, India, and China all trying to expand their influence and court support.

Western powers, in particular, have sought to deepen trade ties with African countries. Meanwhile, Iran and Zimbabwe are both largely isolated on the international stage, with US and EU sanctions targeting the latter over corruption and human rights abuses.

Melody Muzenda, a spokeswoman for Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party, said the visit shows the country has good relations with other countries.

It is hoped that the tour will bring positive diplomatic ties between the two countries and could potentially inspire other countries to join forces with Zimbabwe and Iran.