By John Stephen Katende

20^th Sept 2010

Iran-Africa Summit

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said both Iran and Africa want “a new world order”.  He made the remarks while opening the just concluded Iran-Africa summit in the Iranian capital Tehran.

The summit, the first of its kind between African and Iran, kicked off on 14^th September and attracted government and private sector representatives from over 40 African countries.  The Presidents of Senegal and Malawi also attended the get-together that focused on expanding political and economic ties between the two sides.

In his opening speech to the summit, President Ahmadinejad said he sees a bright future for Iran-Africa ties.  He also added that there is no limit to the expansion of cooperation between Tehran and African countries.  He said Iran and Africa share similar ideals; namely, a “…rich culture, a history full of ups and downs, and an aspiration for a bright future for the human”.

He further pointed out that Iran and Africa have both flourished despite sanctions, adding that there was “no limit” to an expansion of mutual cooperation to a maximum level.  President Ahmadinejad said Iran and Africa’s abilities were complementary, adding that Iran was ready to supply Africa with expertise and experience.

He also called the Iran-Africa summit a suitable opportunity for the consolidation of relations.  The Iranian Chief Executive said his country and all African nations are calling for “…a new world order based on justices, respect for nations’ rights and dignity, and brotherhood”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Tehran’s roadmap to enhancing ties with African nations will focus on eradicating global poverty and instability.  “With the help of Africa, we are seeking to wipe the face of the continent clean from the results of the cruelties of other powers”, Mottaki said. Iran, he revealed, is keen to set up “monetary and economic systems” to ease cooperation between Iranian and African businesses.

Between 2006 and 2008, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions against Tehran over its continued failure to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.  On June 9^th, the Security Council again passed a resolution calling for sanctions against new Iranian banks abroad as well as vigilance over transactions with any Iranian Banks including the Central Bank.

The Daily Monitor newspaper reported last week that Uganda would not get a Shs92 billion grant from Iran because of the international sanctions imposed on the Middle Eastern country.  The revelation was contained in a Foreign Affairs Ministry submission to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee in which PS James Mugume said the UN sanctions were making it hard to get the money.

‘‘The ministry has followed up the implementation of this credit [Shs92b].  However, it has faced challenges especially following the imposition of sanctions on Iran”, Mugume’s memo read in part.  END. If is Monday, it’s Uganda Correspondent.  Never miss out again!