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Iran Opens ‘House of Innovation and Technology’ in Kenya

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The Iranian vice-president opened the centre in a ceremonyheld on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, ahead of a business meeting between Iranian high-tech companies and their Kenyan counterparts.

Addressing the ceremony, Sattari hailed the capacities of Kenya for development of technology and innovation ties, saying the African country is among Iran’s priorities for promotion of mutual cooperation.

What follows is the full text of VP Sattari’s speech at the Iran-Kenya Business Forum:

Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to acknowledge my appreciation and gratitude to the Kenyan authorities and enterprises.

After my visit from East African countries two years ago, in which Iranian knowledge-based companies accompanied me; we realized various capacities of Kenya to develop technology and innovation ties.

It is obvious that Kenya has made significant political, structural and economic reforms that have largely driven sustained economic growth, social development and political gains over the past decade. Kenya’s economic growth of near six percent in 2019 placed this country as one of the fast–growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, which made this country a focal point in the east of Africa for business and technology cooperation withIran.

Now, I am glad that my promise to establish an innovation and technology centre in Kenya has been fulfilled today. I must appreciate the efforts of the Honorable Ambassador of Iran in Kenya (Dr. Barmaki), my colleagues in Vice Presidency for Science and Technology,and also our Executive Agent (Mr. Hassani) for their efforts for the renovation of the building and establishing this centre.

Unfortunately, during the past year the COVID-19 pandemic has been the major problem for us. Its serious damages have affected all sectors of business, health, education and public welfare in all communities especially vulnerable groups. It is important to think about solutions to prevent and control these disasters with technological approaches.

Under these circumstances, we need to share our experiences, expertise, and technological solutions for forming effective collective actions. Needless to say, overcoming this crisis requires the best efforts to acquire new technologies. At the same time, the dissemination of existing technological possibilities to facilitate universal access is of equal importance. This collective approach ensuring that nations have access to the right of basic technological requirements for public health and well-being.

I would like to mention that from the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19, the support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has caused knowledge-based companies to design and manufacture equipment and drugs related to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 at the level of international standards and cut the country’s dependence on imports of these products while exporting them to the other countries.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a leading country in science, technology and, innovation in the Islamic world, has had many successes in combating COVID-19. Here I would like to mention some of Iran’s technological achievements in this field:

1. In the field of COVID-19 vaccine, three groups have started their activities in Iran since months ago, which has passed clinical phases, and in the near future, we will hear promising news that Iranian scientists obtaining this vaccine.
2. In the field of effective drugs for the control and treatment of the COVID-19virus, countless clinical studies have been conducted in the Iranian medical health care sector, which has led to the discovery of effective therapies in the control and treatment of the COVID-19 virus. 
3. In the field of diagnostic kits and COVID-19 extraction kits, five Iranian companies have succeeded in manufacturing these kits.
4. In the field of medical equipment, in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and treatment of it, Iranian experts and knowledge-based companies have succeeded in manufacturing hospital ventilators, home oxygenators, hospital oxygenators, vital signs monitors, pulse oximeters, non-contact digital thermometers, CT scan devices, etc.
5. In the field of medical consumables products, in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Iranian companies have succeeded in manufacturing machines and devices for the production of various types of masks, gloves, alcohol-based and non-alcohol hand and surfaces sanitizers. 

All these developments have taken place in a situation where, despite that my country showed good faith in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the most severe oppressive sanctions by the United States of America hindered importing even international humanitarian aids. However, a significant amount of equipment, medical supplies and diagnostic kits have been exported to various countries. Also, we have a package of medical equipment as a gift to one of your hospitals in Kenya.

In that vein, my country is ready to participate effectively in bilateral scientific and technological cooperation, with the aim of strengthening Kenya long-term development agenda to Vision twenty-thirty, the “Big Four” development priority areas regarding “manufacturing“, “universal healthcare“, “affordable housing“ and “food security“.

Dear audiences, Here I’d like to draw your attention to the point of how innovation is significantly prevailing in the Islamic Republic of Iran to move the country toward an innovation-driven economy.

As you are well aware, there are vast capacities in terms of science and technology in Iran; with regard to the changing discourse of the economy of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a transition from a traditional and oil-based economy to the development of a knowledge-based economy, Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, has expanded the ecosystem of innovation and technology in Iran with the aim of evolving new business environment and entrepreneurship.

In recent years, we have witnessed significant growth in technology and innovation areas in our country. Iran’s global rank in science production has risen from 34th to 16th and the first in the region. The number of university students in Iran has increased from 2.4 million to 4.8 million, which puts Iran among the top five countries in terms of the number of graduate engineers. Iran’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has also increased by fifty-five places over the past five years, and we have had an increasing growth in the development of advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, renewable energies, cognitive science, stem cells and,ICT. Also as a result of the implementation of knowledge-based economy development policies in Iran, the size of the knowledge-based economy in Iran has grown to over eleven billion US dollars, through the activity of five thousand and six hundred knowledge-based companies and more than one thousand and forty creative and innovative ones.

My dear friends;

We all know effective global cooperation is now much more important for us because we are investing in technology and innovation to keep sustainable and competitive growth.

To this aim, the Islamic Republic of Iran, by relying on its capabilities, is trying to develop constructive and dynamic relations and cooperation globally; Hopefully, Kenya isamong the priorities of Iran’s bilateral cooperation.

Undoubtedly, the role of the government in each country is to pave the way for basic required platforms for international interactions of the private sector, something which has been done by opening this technology and innovation centre and holding more commercial forums like this.

I hope today’s opening ceremony of the centreand following B2B meetings between Iranian and Kenyan enterprises become a turning point in the bilateral economic collaboration.

The Islamic Republic of Iran fully supports such partnerships between Iranian and Kenyanenterprises.

Thank you all for your kind attention

Iran Hails Kuwait’s Push for Persian Gulf Compromise

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah in the Arab country on Tuesday, January 26.

 

In the meeting, Araqchi praised Kuwait’s efforts to develop understanding and compromise among the Persian Gulf countries.

 

He also described dialogue and non-interference from the extra-regional countries as two main elements in collective security across the region. 

 

Deputy Foreign Minister Araqchi then stressed the need for constant consultations between Iran and Kuwait on the bilateral and regional issues, expressing the Islamic Republic’s determination to strengthen ties with Kuwait and the other regional countries.

 

Considering the existing potential in the region, cooperation among the Persian Gulf countries in various fields could lead to a bright and promising future for the region, he noted.

 

The Iranian diplomat also emphasized that regional security and stability should be ensured by the region’s own countries, noting that it requires collective cooperation among the countries and non-interference from foreigners.

 

“From the viewpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Persian Gulf security is an issue relating only to the regional countries, and Iran is ready to hold talks only with the regional states about it,” Araqchi added.

 

Elaborating on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policy on the possible return of the US to the JCPOA, Araqchi dismissed any negotiations about the JCPOA or the subject beyond the nuclear deal, but noted that discussions can be held on how the whole parties would resume implementing the JCPOA within the Group5+1 format.

 

“Firstly, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hold talks with the 5+1 countries on any subject other than the way to implement the JCPOA, and, secondly, it (Iran) is ready to hold talks about the Persian Gulf security only with the regional countries and without any foreign interference,” Deputy Foreign Minister Araqchi stated.

 

For his part, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister welcomed the continuation of consultations with Iran, describing dialogue and negotiations among the regional countries as the only appropriate solution to the disputes.

 

Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah also highlighted Kuwait’s resolve and willingness for the expansion of relations between the two countries in various fields.

‘US Expected to Release Iran’s Frozen Assets to Be Used in Fight against COVID-19’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Ali Rabiei

Ali Rabiei said the Biden administration should prove its claim that it wants to put up a serious fight against coronavirus.

“With regards to coronavirus, I should mention that given a change of government in the United States and the coming to power of an administration which has, at least, claimed it is not against science unlike the previous administration, and claims it wants to work well in fighting coronavirus, it is expected to release frozen forex assets which belong to Iran to be used to fight coronavirus and provide health and food,” said Rabiei.

“We also expect banking sanctions on our foreign currency transactionstol end immediately,” he said.

Rabiei expressed concern over the global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, calling for compliance with health protocols and restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.

“So far, 100 million people in the world have contracted coronavirus and the death toll has crossed the 2 million mark,” said the spokesman.

“COVID-19 keeps taking its toll, and mutated and deadly viruses have been seen in some parts of the world,” he said.

“In Tehran, too, the number of hospitalized patients ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old has unfortunately increased,” he said.

Rabiei reiterated that Iran is pressing ahead with efforts to start the vaccination process as soon as possible.

“Vaccination is an important issue in public opinion. The process of producing three Iranian vaccines is going well at the Barakat Foundation, the Razi Institute and the Pasteur Institute. There is hope that in late spring or early summer next year, Iranian people will be able to use domestically-made vaccines, which will be completely available to the public,” he said.

“Being confident in the performance of the health ministry and its controls, the government gives assurances that the vaccines produced in the country will definitely be approved by international organizations and can compete with other vaccines on the international stage,” said Rabiei.

“With an agreement on the provision of vaccines being finalized, the inoculation of high-risk groups will get underway in February,” he noted.

Rabiei added no city in Iran is, at the moment, categorized as a high-risk zone known as “red” cities under the classification of the National Coronavirus Headquarters.

“Fortunately, no city in Iran is in a “red” state, and there are only 19 “orange” cities,” said the spokesman. 

“Iran’s performance with regards to containing the disease is praiseworthy and is not comparable to that of European and other countries. Still, failure to observe health protocols, nonessential gatherings, failure to take the danger of the spread of the virus seriously and the mutation of the virus in Europe and in other countries might lead to a new surge in the disease,” he explained.

“Despite all the emphasis put by all government organizations, especially the health system, we once again call on people to observe protocols. Failure to respect health protocols will lead to another surge,” he said.

“We should all join hands to maintain this situation until the injection of imported vaccines will get underway and domestically produced vaccines will become available to all,” he added.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Arrives in Armenia after Visiting Baku, Moscow

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Foreign Minister Zarif travelled to Armenia on Wednesday in the third leg of a tour of the Caucasus that took him earlier to the Republic of Azerbaijan and Russia.

 

Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Yerevan, the top Iranian diplomat hailed Armenia as “an old neighbour and friend of the Islamic Republic”.

 

Foreign Minister Zarif said he has held negotiations about “multilateral cooperation” during his stays in Baku and Moscow, considering the significance of the issue after a January 11 summit among Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

 

“The ground is prepared for cooperation among the regional countries, particularly in the economic sphere. Such cooperation could entail long-term peace and stability,” he added.

 

On his schedule in Yerevan, Foreign Minister Zarif said he is going to hold talks with Prime Minister Pashinyan and with his Armenian counterpart about “the bilateral relations between Iran and Armenia, and the multilateral cooperation in the region.”

Iranian Diplomat Holds Talks with Afghanistan’s Abdullah

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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During the talks, the two sides discussed the latest developments pertaining to intra-Afghan talks.

They both said Afghan-Afghan negotiations should continue as it is the best way to work out a solution and establish stability in Afghanistan.

Iran, Oman Discuss Promotion of Bilateral Banking, Trade Ties

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Abdolnasser Hemmati was accompanied by a delegation of senior Iranian officials in his visit to the Persian Gulf state.

“At the invitation of the governor of the Central Bank of Oman, I arrived in Muscat on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, on a two-day visit, accompanied by the deputy minister of industry, mines and trade, of health, and the deputy CBI governor for forex affairs,” said Hemmati.

“In the first meeting, we had extensive talks with Oman’s foreign minister,” he said.

“He was very much interested in boosting strategic economic relations between the two countries,” Iran’s CBI governor noted.

As Hemmati explained, the top Omani diplomat highlighted the importance of Iran’s role and status in the region and enhance mutual trade and economic ties.

“In these meetings, areas of, and obstacles to, and ways of promoting mutual banking and trade cooperation was reviewed in detail and the necessary decisions were adopted,” he said.

Hemmati said the expansion of bilateral commercial relations was also on the agenda of the talks.

“In the second meeting, we had lengthy discussions with Oman’s minister of industry and trade,” he noted.

“The meeting attended by authorities from Oman’s Chamber of Commerce as well,” said the CBI governor.

Given the existing opportunity for the expansion of mutual cooperation, said Hemmati, the potential of both countries’ private sectors can be tapped to upgrade the level and volume of mutual trade.

“I emphasized that we seek to further promote our trade relations with Oman as a trade partner,” he said.

“So, this trip is an opportunity to enhance our cooperation given the international developments,” he noted.

“I also emphasized that the United States’ ‘maximum pressure’ policy has failed, and it is necessary that the two sides further expand their trade transactions given the long historical background of relations between the two countries,” he said.

“We will continue our talks with Omani officials and the governor of the Central Bank on Wednesday January 27, 2021, focusing on banking and financial issues,” Hemmati explained.

US Should Show Goodwill Gesture First: Iran FM

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday Washington should make up for its mistakes.

“Why on earth should Iran—a country that stood firm & defeated 4 years of a brutal US economic terrorism imposed in violation of JCPOA & UNSC Resolution—show goodwill gesture first?” wrote Zarif in a tweet.

He noted Iran
“It was the US that broke the deal—for no reason. It must remedy its wrong; then Iran will respond,” he added.

He made the remarks in reaction to the French presidency’s claim that Iran must first return to its commitments before the US rejoins the JCPOA.

Iranian, Russian Foreign Ministers Meet in Moscow

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Foreign Minister Zarif, who is visiting Russia in the second leg of a tour of the region, held talks with Lavrov on Tuesday on various bilateral issues, the regional affairs -particularly the subjects relating to the recent developments in the Karabakh region- and the other international issues.

In the meeting, the top Iranian diplomat touched on various aspects of relations between Tehran and Moscow, admired Russia and its president for the measures to end the military clashes in Karabakh region near the common border with Iran, and explicated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s stance on using the new capacity for creating an opportunity to establish stability and calm in the region within the framework of the common interests of all parties.

Foreign Minister Zarif also expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for its principled and constructive views and stances on the JCPOA, stressing the need to continue close cooperation between the two countries over the nuclear deal.

Highlighting the special attention that the presidents of Iran and Russia give to the relations between the two countries, Zarif called for efforts to facilitate the expansion and promotion of mutual cooperation in various fields.

For his part, Foreign Minister Lavrov underlined the significance of cooperation and interaction between the two countries based on trust in the bilateral and multilateral spheres, pointing to the constant negotiations between the two presidents on various issues of mutual interest.

He also described the efforts to salvage the JCPOA as one of the key issues, reiterating Russia’s call for the fulfillment of commitments by all JCPOA parties.

The other topics that the two ministers discussed in the meeting included cooperation in supplying the coronavirus vaccine, reciprocal visits by high-ranking delegations of the two countries, Caspian cooperation, cooperation and security in the Persian Gulf, the developments in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan and Libya, as well as the international cooperation between Iran and Russia.

No Talks with US before Biden Announces Official Position on JCPOA: Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Ali Rabiei

Speaking in a Tuesday press conference, Ali Rabiei said the lifting of US sanctions on Iran is a major part of Washington’s obligations.

“For now, we have had no talks or contacts with the new US administration. We are still waiting for the new US administration to announce its official stances on how it would return to its commitments and lift its illegal sanctions as an integral part of its obligations,” he told reporters.

He said Iran does not intend to sit at the negotiating table with Washington for now.
“We have no plans for negotiations with the United States and any progress in that regard depends on the United States’ practical steps in returning to its commitments in accordance with [UN Security Council] Resolution 2231,” Rabiei noted.

He said time is running out for the United States to make up its mind.

“Of course, I should announce that the US won’t have time forever, and the window of opportunity will remain open for a limited period of time for both the US and the European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal to return to their obligations,” he said.

“We hope before issues become more complicated, the US government adopts practical decisions and actions to prove its goodwill and to build confidence,” he said.

Iran Approves Russian Vaccine for COVID-19: FM Zarif

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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A medical specialist holds a vial of Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a vaccination centre in the State Department Store, GUM, in central Moscow, Russia January 18, 2021 / By Reuters

“The Sputnik V vaccine was yesterday registered and approved by our health authorities,” Zarif said at a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow on Tuesday.

“In the near future, we hope to be able to purchase it, as well as start joint production.”

Earlier this month Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei banned the government from importing vaccines from the United States and Britain, which he said were possibly seeking to spread the infection to other countries.

Iran is at the same time developing its own vaccine, named CovIran Barakat, and is also producing a joint vaccine with Cuba.

The country has also purchased around 17 million doses of foreign-made vaccines from the COVAX, the first batches of which are expected to be imported in coming weeks.

Iran’s government spokesman Ali Rabiei announced on Tuesday that the vaccination of high-risk groups of people will begin before the 42nd anniversary of the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution in February.

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