[PHOTOS] Iranian President Raisi honoured with 21-gun salute

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was on Wednesday honoured with 21 gun salutes at State House, Nairobi. 

Raisi inspected the guard of honour for about eight minutes before officially meeting President William Ruto.

Raisi is in Kenya for talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

He arrived in the country Tuesday evening for an official visit.

Raisi will also visit Uganda and Zimbabwe.

He is the first Iranian President to tour Africa in 11 years. 

President Rais is seeking to diversify Iran’s export markets and promote trade cooperation with the three nations.

Kenya's leading exports to Iran, as per the Statista, are tea and horticulture.

In March this year, Kenya announced it will be exporting 40 to 50 tonnes of sheep and meat per day to Iran with an estimated Sh773 million per month in a deal.

Speaking when he held talks with the Iranian ambassador Jafar Barmaki, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the new trade deal will boost the country's economy as well as create more opportunities for farmers and traders.

He also said Kenya would export 10,000 tonnes of onions to Iran in addition to tea.

Raisi who assumed office in August 2021, has continued to strengthen the country’s foreign policy while seeking to deepen their relations.

The State visit by Raisi also helps the two countries to diversify their diplomatic relations.