Iran is calling for increased and deeper cooperation with Kenya in the field of intelligence as part of a concerted effort to effectively combat the menace of transnational jihadi terrorism affecting both countries. During a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani (of Iran) and Ruqyah Ahmad Sabu (Kenya’s new ambassador to Iran); President Rouhani called for deeper cooperation between the Iranian Government and GoK in various security-related spheres, including intelligence, so that both nations can efficiently combat Islamist terrorism. Ambassador Ruqyah Ahmad Sabu had met the Iranian President in order to submit her credentials.
President Rouhani acknowledged Kenya as an influential and important nation within East and Central Africa; and as such, Iran seeks an enhancement of all-out bilateral ties with Kenya, especially in the political and cultural spheres. The Kenyan ambassador expressed the willingness of Kenya expanding ties with Iran in the sectors of national development and tourism.
President Rouhani warned against the ever-evolving and ever-expanding scale of terror-related activities in North Africa and the Middle East. He was particularly critical of the Nigerian-based Sunni Islamist organization, Boko Haram, which he slammed for committing heinous acts which have horrified and unsettled the global conscience. Iran has repeatedly stressed its commitment to security and stability of Africa and the Middle East.
President Rouhani also stated that Islam and Islamic teachings do not condone terrorist activities. On her part, Ambassador Roqayeh Ahmad pointed to the fact that Kenya is facing a growing threat of terrorism emanating from the Somalia-based Sunni Islamist group – Al-Shabaab. She also acknowledged that Al-Shabaab is damaging Islam by propagating a flawed and extremist pseudo-religious ideology which seeks to upset serenity in Kenya, in addition to radicalizing Muslim youths.
Iran is currently combating a number of Sunni terrorist organizations, the most prominent being ISIL. The counter-terrorism efforts of the Islamic Republic have prevented ISIL from overthrowing both the Iraqi and Syrian governments. Iranian efforts have also established a measure of stability and security in government-controlled regions in Syria and Iraq.
