In the Thursday meeting, the top Iranian official presented a report on the trend of Iran’s scientific and technological development over the past 40 decades.

“A long time has passed since the [1979 Iran’s Islamic] Revolution and we are on the threshold of the anniversary of the victory of the Revolution. During these 40 years, Iran has been under cruel sanctions by global superpowers,” he explained.

“These sanctions were a good omen for Iran and helped us reach self-sufficiency in meeting our needs. That means we domestically developed all the technologies possessed by developed countries,” said Sattari.

He said a clear example of that achievement was the production of necessary medical equipment by Iranian firms to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

He said Iran has fulfilled its pledges, including the establishment of the Iran House of Innovation and Technology (IHIT) in Kenya and cooperation between Iranian and Kenyan knowledge-based companies.

He said Tehran is keen to enhance its technological relations with Nairobi and run joint projects on technology transfer.

The top Kenyan diplomat, in turn, thanked Iran’s activities in Kenya and added Nairobi would like to draw on Iran’s experience in establishing start-ups and knowledge-based companies and linking universities to the industry.

During the meeting, which was held on Thursday during VP Sattari’s three-day visit to the African country, the two sides stressed the importance of enhancing mutual relations.

“Iran’s technological moves have gained momentum since the beginning of the tenure of the 12th administration, so that we are able to boost the country’s scientific progress,” said Sattari.

“We pulled it off using domestic knowhow and the expertise of our youth,” he added.

“Over the past years and within the context of technological and innovative ecosystems, more than 6,000 knowledge-based and innovative companies took shape, and their sales amounted to around $12 billion,” the Iranian vice president said.

“Major start-ups have been set up in our country and they export their products to other countries as well,” he noted.

“[Teams from] 40 knowledge-based firms are accompanying the Iranian delegation in this trip. These companies can be a good link for the transfer of Iran’s technology to Kenya,” he said.

“Representatives of Iranian companies had discussions with 130 Kenyan companies and had face-to-face meetings. These meetings will result in bilateral cooperation,” said Sattari.

He added Iran can share with Kenya its experience in the field of technology and sci-tech parks.

“Iran enjoys a special status in the domain of emerging technologies in the world. For example, Iran ranks fourth in the world in terms of nanotechology,” said Sattari.

He invited Kenyan officials and technology experts to visit Iran’s achievements and technological infrastructure.

He urged Iran and Kenya to run joint projects in the domain of technology and know-how transfer.

He also noted that Iran kept moving on the path to progress despite cruel sanctions.