Zimbabwe and Iran have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic cooperation, with plans to deepen engagements in health and trade. This development was highlighted during an event marking 46 years since the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sheillah Chikomo, emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy under the National Development Strategy One (NDS1). She noted that the ongoing Middle Review (MTR) is aimed at assessing progress on agreements reached during the ninth session of the Zimbabwe-Iran Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC). She also announced that the Zimbabwe-Iran Trade and Investment Conference (ZITIC) is scheduled for later this month, providing a platform to explore further economic collaboration. The health sector remains a key area of partnership, with a Memorandum of Understanding covering pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, medical education, health tourism, and health system management.
Iranian Charge d’Affaires, Hadi Taheri, acknowledged Zimbabwe’s historical support for Iran in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination, describing the relationship as strategic. He highlighted the role of Iran’s Cultural Center in fostering academic cooperation, noting that Iran has provided numerous scholarships for Zimbabwean students. He also pointed out that both countries have held nine joint economic commissions and signed over 100 agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The diplomatic ties between Harare and Tehran, established in 1979 and formalized with the opening of Iran’s embassy in Harare in 1980, have led to multiple high-level visits. In 2023, the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Zimbabwe, reinforcing cooperation in key sectors such as health, education, and trade.
