According to Ebrahim Raisi, cultural collaboration between Iran and Uganda will be very useful in thwarting enemy designs.
During his visit to Uganda on Wednesday as part of a three-nation African tour, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi criticized Western nations’ efforts to persuade other countries to adopt the “ugly” trend of homosexuality.
Raisi praised Uganda’s anti-colonial attitude after it recently approved anti-LGBTQ legislation that carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” in the face of strong international criticism.
During a meeting with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni, he said that “Western countries are exerting pressure on independent countries by attacking the family foundation, promoting the repugnant homosexuality phenomenon, encouraging the spread of extremism and terrorism, and using human rights as a tool.”
He continued, “I think this issue, and these ferocious attacks by the West against the institution of families and against the culture of the nations, is another area of collaboration for Iran and Uganda.
Homosexuality is expressly prohibited by Islamic Republic legislation, and is a crime that carries a death sentence.
In response to US economic sanctions, Iran is trying to diversify its commerce and diplomatic ties around the world. Raisi’s trip to Africa is the first by an Iranian president in more than ten years.
On Wednesday in Kampala, the Iranian president said, “Cultural cooperation between Iran and Uganda will be very effective in confronting the plots of our enemies.”
A number of memoranda of understanding covering topics including visa waivers, agricultural cooperation, and the creation of a joint permanent commission were signed by the two nations to formally establish their relationship.
Raisi opened Iran’s innovation and technology office when she was in Uganda, the Tehran foreign ministry announced on Twitter.
When he was in Kenya earlier, he met with President William Ruto and came to an agreement to increase Nairobi’s capability for research and technology in the fields of manufacturing, healthcare, and the blue economy.
He has just arrived in Zimbabwe, the last destination on his tour of East Africa.
