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Roselyne Sachiti in TEHRAN, Iran
VICE President Kembo Mohadi yesterday joined over 80 foreign dignitaries who witnessed the inauguration of Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, at Parliament building in Tehran.
His attendance on behalf of President Mnangagwa symbolises a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Iran.
President Pezeshkian, who becomes Iran’s ninth president, took oath of office at a high-profile inauguration ceremony in the presence of the head of the judiciary and the Guardian Council.
He promised to uphold Iran’s Constitution and faithfully execute his duties as the Head of State.
President Pezeshkian also paid gratitude to the visiting foreign dignitaries, including VP Mohadi, who attended his inauguration.
He said he would seek constructive and effective engagement with the world based on principles of dignity, wisdom and expediency.
“We call upon Western nations to acknowledge the realities and foster relationships grounded in mutual respect and parity.
“We stand ready to manage tensions and engage in dialogue with those governments that have yet to recognise Iran’s dignity and status,” he said.
A 69-year-old heart surgeon, President Pezeshkian formally began his four-year mandate on Sunday when he was endorsed by Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
His election came following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, this year.
He garnered 53,7 percent of the vote in the second round of a snap election, outperforming conservative candidate Saeed Jalili, who garnered over 13,5 million votes, by a substantial margin of over 3 million votes.
The first round of the elections was held on June 28.
Zimbabwe and Iran share a unique diplomatic relationship characterised by mutual co-operation and shared geopolitical interests.
Last year, the two countries signed 12 co-operation documents in Harare demonstrating a strong bond of friendship over the years. Several areas of co-operation were also identified, discussed, and agreed to by Zimbabwe and Iran during the 9th Session of Zimbabwe-Iran Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation (JPCC) in Tehran in February 2023. The JPCC has provisions for bi-annual review mechanisms, that allow for the evaluation of progress in the implementation of the agreements. The two countries have also been working together to implement joint programmes in sectors that include health and pharmaceutical, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, science and technology, and cultural exchange programmes.
Online Reporter