STORY: Iranian president concludes Africa tour with Zimbabwe visit
DATELINE: July 14, 2023
LENGTH: 0:02:51
LOCATION: Harare
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. Iranian president arriving at the airport, inspecting a guard of honor and witnessing the signing ceremony
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President
3. Iranian president
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English interpretation): EBRAHIM RAISI, Iranian President

STORYLINE:

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi concluded his three-nation Africa tour on Thursday with a one-day state visit to Zimbabwe.

In his welcoming remarks, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged Iran to exploit investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President
"We welcome investments in several sectors of our economy, especially in mining. We have vast opportunities in mining, health, agriculture, energy, infrastructure development, and science and technology."
   
Mnangagwa also condemned sanctions imposed on the two countries by Western nations, saying both countries are victims of the illegal embargoes that continue to hamper growth and prosperity.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President
"We look forward therefore to sharing experiences with Iran on innovative strategies on propelling the sustainable growth of our economies and raising the standard of lives of our people even under these heinous sanctions."
   
Mnangagwa also affirmed his commitment to work with Iran and the international community in calling for a just global order.
   
In his remarks, Raisi, whose Africa tour also took him to Kenya and Uganda, said Iran stands ready to share its capabilities with friends in Africa, especially Zimbabwe.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English interpretation): EBRAHIM RAISI, Iranian President
"My visit's message and signal are that we are determined, we are mutually determined to expand our bilateral relations in all areas including political, economic, trade, and science and technology sectors."
   
The two sides signed 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in energy, information and communications technology (ICT), education, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other fields during Raisi's visit.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harare.
(XHTV)