Why is Iran a good partner for development of Africa?/ a brief look

Pars Today- General strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the African countries is to expand ties based on the South-South cooperation.

The Islamic Revolution of Iran, based on its nature of freedom-seeking, justice-seeking and combating colonialism, pays special attention to setting up relations with the African nations. According to Pars Today, currently, the Islamic Republic of Iran has defined its foreign policy on the basis of balanced and prevalent interaction with the countries of the African region.

In addition, the old cultural-historical relations and religious commonalities of the Iranian people with the African nations have provided a firm infrastructure for expansion of Iran's ties with most African countries. Accordingly, in 1401 (March 2022-March 2023), four joint economic cooperation commissions were held with the African countries with inking nearly 50 documents and exchange of more than 80 bilateral political, economic and cultural delegations. The continuation of this trend in the recent years has increased manifold the volume of Iran's trade contracts with Africa.

Iran, a sure partner

The Islamic Republic of Iran has proved that it is and will be a sure partner for the African nations. In order to further materialize this goal, Iran continues its foreign policy strategy on the basis of long-term cooperation with the African continent and has extended its hand of friendship and cooperation towards all African countries. On the other hand, Iran's ever-increasing scientific and industrial progress in recent decades and its non-colonial view in trans-regional interactions have provided a unique opportunity for eradication of poverty and movement towards development of the African countries. Iran, relying on its scientific, economic, technological and defense achievements, is able to support its partners and allies. Moreover, the tolerance of the Iranian nation and government against the cruel sanctions of the domineering system and their steadfastness on the ideals of the Islamic Revolution have led to formation of a successful, efficient and implementable model.

Trade with Iran, economical for Africa

Iran is among the developing countries which enjoys considerable production and industrial capacities in different fields of economy, technology, sciences and strategy. Thus, Iran can provide proper facilities for the African countries calling for development. The Islamic Republic can secure the African nations' needs to development, commodity and services more economically than the Western rivals. This is a very great privilege for the African countries and they can fulfill their needs with much lower expenses from Iran. Furthermore, Tehran is able to secure very favorable payment conditions for the African nations to pay their debts to Iran; the conditions which are much more flexible than those of the Western countries and companies.

Iran sets no prerequsities for expansion of trade ties with Africa

One of the serious challenges of the African countries in the recent years has been to be caught in the rivalries of the main power poles in the world (especially the US and China). Most of the Western powers, regarding their rivalries with China and in a bid to facilitate their economic infiltration in Africa, set many prerequisites for these countries with the aim of controlling commercial ties. Meanwhile, Iran as a country with remarkable economic capacities, has considered favorable conditions without any prerequisites or pressure for trade with the African nations.

African resolve to cope with new realities of global system

The present world, particularly the international system, is going through profound changes. One of the main axes of these changes is the increasing decline of the Western powers (especially the US) and the consequent empowerment of the newfound Eastern powers. In view of this, the African continent, too, has gained more freedom of action and is trying to make the best use of the opportunities ahead. Therefore, expansion of ties with Africa seems a good, useful and strategic option for a country like Iran.

Key phrases: Iran and Africa, Iran's progress, American sanctions against Iran, Iran's economic opportunities, Iran's economic power  

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