Hojjatoleslam Abdolhossein Khosrowpanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, at the brainstorming session of the scientific and inter-university cooperation working group between Iran and Africa held at the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran, emphasized the necessity of utilizing the perspectives of experts in African studies. He noted that the presence of researchers in this field is a valuable opportunity for a deeper understanding of the capacities and issues of the African continent, stating that officials should pay more attention to the scientific experiences and theories of these specialists.
Attention to Africa's capacities in Iran's foreign policy
Khosrowpanah highlighted the historical and strategic importance of the African continent in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, referring to the trips of the martyr leader of the revolution to African countries in the 1980s, adding that these trips demonstrate his special attention to the capacities of this continent. He emphasized that the African continent should be considered in the scientific, cultural, and economic policymaking of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The necessity of forming a specialized circle of African studies
The Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution stated that the development of relations between Iran and Africa is not possible without a precise understanding of this continent, calling for the formation of a specialized circle of professors and researchers in African studies. He also referred to the role of universities and religious movements in the developments of African countries, stating that studies should also consider various social, cultural, and religious dimensions.
Khosrowpanah also emphasized the necessity of strengthening coordination among active entities in the African continent, adding that the Islamic Revolution of Iran has extensive capacities that should be effectively introduced in African countries. He announced that past actions of the Islamic Republic in this regard require more synergy and coherence in planning.
Establishing an African governance laboratory
The Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution proposed creating a joint mechanism for policymaking regarding Africa, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran needs a convergent governance model. Establishing an African governance laboratory with the participation of responsible entities and scientific centers can be effective in this regard and prevent duplication of efforts and waste of resources.
Realism in international cooperation
Khosrowpanah, in another part of his speech, emphasized the necessity of identifying and prioritizing common issues between Iran and African countries. He stated that it should be clarified what issues the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to address in its interaction with Africa and in which areas it possesses the necessary capabilities and capacities. He referred to common challenges between Iran and African countries, such as the raw export of natural resources, and called for realistic actions in designing cooperation.
