Minister: Iran links East Africa to Central Asia

Nairobi – The Iranian Minister of Agriculture emphasized the country's strategic role as a trade and logistics hub connecting Kenya and East Africa with the Caucasus and Central Asia during the 7th Iran-Kenya Joint Commission meeting in Nairobi.

Speaking at the opening session on Monday, Gholamreza Nouri, said that boosting economic cooperation with Kenya and achieving a $1 billion bilateral trade target are key priorities for the joint commission.

He highlighted Kenya’s strategic position in East Africa and Iran’s role as a gateway to Central Asia, stressing the potential for expanded trade and investment.

"Iran ranks among the world’s top producers and exporters of pistachios, saffron, and dates, and is willing to share its expertise in greenhouse farming and water-efficient agriculture with Kenya," the minister added.

"We seek not just economic gains but strategic partnerships across multiple sectors," Nouri said, expressing hope that this meeting would mark a new chapter in Iran-Kenya relations.

Kenya’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, for his turn, noted the significant growth in Kenya’s tea exports to Iran—from 3,000 tons in 2003 to over 13,000 tons in 2024. He pledged to ease export restrictions and expand market access.

Both sides agreed to establish a joint committee to resolve trade barriers within 60 days, with Kenya appointing a special ministerial advisor to oversee the process.