Iranian President Says Tehran Looks to Africa's Interests
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi drew a distinction between Islamic Republic’s relations with Africa and those of Western nations, saying on Friday that the latter want Africa "for themselves" to serve their own agenda while Iran wants an Africa for Africans.
"The West's view of Africa is to secure their own interests; they want Africa for themselves. We want Africa for Africa. This is the difference between the two approaches in the world," Raisi said at the second Iran-Africa Summit in Tehran.
He stressed the importance of understanding Africa's capabilities and potentials.
"Despite sanctions and threats, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made great progress...and can be called an advanced and technologically-capable country," the president said, adding, "Understanding the Islamic Republic's advancements and attainment of new technologies is very important."
Raisi noted cooperation with the African continent was emphasized by Islamic Republic’s late founder Ayatollah Khomeini from the beginning of the 1979 revolution.
The president said while the West claims only they possess creativity and access to new technologies, "our belief is that Africa's talents and capabilities are no less than the West."
"Efficient human resources exist in Africa and it can attain many fields," Raisi said.
He reiterated that Iran sees Africa for Africans themselves, not just meeting its own interests like the West does.