Tehran, IRNA – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s determination to deepen cooperation with Uganda in key sectors including agriculture, trade, and economic development, underscoring Africa’s central role in Tehran’s foreign policy outreach.
Speaking during a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kampala on Wednesday, Araghchi said Iran is committed to “broadening the horizons of bilateral cooperation” and to turning political goodwill into concrete economic partnerships.
“Iran values its long-standing friendship with Uganda and is ready to enhance cooperation in agriculture, technology transfer, and trade facilitation,” Araghchi said.
“Both countries share the vision of self-reliance and South–South cooperation in achieving sustainable growth.”
During the meeting, the two sides discussed mechanisms for implementing joint agricultural projects, including technology exchange in irrigation, mechanized farming, and fertilizer production, areas where Iran has developed strong domestic expertise.
Araghchi proposed the activation of a Joint Economic Commission between Tehran and Kampala “as soon as possible,” to explore new investment opportunities, particularly in agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure.
He also conveyed Iran’s readiness to facilitate training programs for Ugandan experts and students in agricultural sciences and industrial technologies.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, where Iran and Uganda reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, sovereignty, and resistance to unilateral sanctions.
Araghchi highlighted the importance of solidarity among NAM member states in defending the principles of international law and the right of nations to self-determination.
“The unity of independent nations is vital to safeguarding justice and equality in global relations,” he noted, warning against what he called “the erosion of international norms under pressure from hegemonic powers.”
President Museveni praised Iran’s “principled and resilient foreign policy” and expressed Uganda’s desire to expand economic and technical cooperation with Tehran, citing the two nations’ shared vision of self-reliant development.
“Uganda appreciates Iran’s technological progress in agriculture, energy, and health,” Museveni said. “We are ready to strengthen our partnership in a manner that benefits both peoples.”
The Ugandan leader also thanked Iran for supporting African nations in international forums and acknowledged Tehran’s continued stance in defense of Palestinian rights and regional peace.
Iran and Uganda have maintained diplomatic relations since the 1970s, characterized by cooperation in education, health, and technical assistance.
In recent years, both countries have explored joint ventures in oil exploration, renewable energy, and agro-industrial processing.
The revival of the Iran–Uganda Joint Economic Commission, which last met in 2019, is expected to chart a roadmap for long-term collaboration under Iran’s “Look to Africa” policy — a diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships with African nations based on mutual benefit and shared development goals.
Araghchi’s visit to Kampala is part of his broader diplomatic tour of Africa, which includes meetings with counterparts from Tunisia, Myanmar, Venezuela, and Cuba on the sidelines of the NAM summit.
The trip also follows President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent call for enhanced engagement with African nations to counter unilateral sanctions and promote cooperation in energy, technology, and food security.
Both Tehran and Kampala agreed to expedite preparations for the next Joint Economic Commission meeting, expected to be held in early 2026, where specific memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in trade facilitation, investment protection, and agricultural research are likely to be signed.
Araghchi concluded the meeting by reiterating Iran’s readiness to serve as a reliable partner for African development:
“Iran stands with Uganda and all African nations in building a world order rooted in fairness, respect, and cooperation,” he said.
