Zimbabwe has joined the international community in congratulating the Islamic Republic of Iran on the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a historic event that transformed Iran’s political landscape and affirmed its pursuit of independence, unity and national dignity.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution ended centuries of monarchical rule and ushered in the Islamic Republic, marking a defining moment that reshaped Iran’s governance, identity and global standing.
Commemorations held in Harare brought together Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the Islamic community. The gathering underscored the deepening relations between Zimbabwe and Iran, as well as shared aspirations shaped by historical experiences and contemporary challenges.
Speaking at the commemorations, Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Amir Hossein Hosseini, described the revolution as a triumph of faith, identity and national will over foreign domination.
“The Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979 was the manifestation of a nation’s will, rooted in faith, historical identity, and the aspiration for independence, which triumphed over a dependent dictatorship that subordinated national interests to foreign powers,” he said.
Ambassador Hosseini added that the revolution paved the way for national sovereignty and popular governance, with the Islamic Republic continuing to pursue a path founded on justice, independence and resistance to external pressure.
The commemorations also provided a moment to reflect on the parallel experiences of Zimbabwe and Iran, especially in navigating sanctions and working towards economic self-reliance. Discussions highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment and technical collaboration.
Ambassador Hosseini noted that bilateral relations now span political, economic and investment sectors, including oil and petrochemicals, agriculture, healthcare, mining, pharmaceuticals, technology, tourism and infrastructure. He said the Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation which has held nine sessions, remains the institutional backbone of these engagements. The latest intersessional meeting took place in Tehran on 8–9 December 2025, with the next session set for Harare later this year.
Looking ahead, he said 2026 could mark a breakthrough year, particularly with steps underway to resume Iranian tractor manufacturing in Zimbabwe, a milestone expected to boost agricultural mechanisation.
“We hope to transform this cooperation into a lasting and enduring partnership for the benefit of both countries,” he said.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mangaliso Ndlovu, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran in line with its foreign policy and international trade priorities. He stressed that both nations share a legacy of resilience in the face of sanctions, which has fuelled cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, satellite technologies and agricultural mechanisation.
“Zimbabwe and Iran are companions in resilience as we strive to survive under sanctions. Our bilateral relations are anchored in a shared history of struggle against foreign interference,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu emphasised Zimbabwe’s focus on economic and knowledge diplomacy as key drivers of Vision 2030, drawing lessons from Iran’s strong foundation in science, technology and innovation.
The solid partnership between the two nations has resulted in joint initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, education and technology, supported by vocational training and knowledge exchange programmes for Zimbabwean professionals in Iran.
