In an exclusive interview with Confidente, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Beigi discusses the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, a landmark agreement aimed at ending hostilities, reopening trade routes and paving the way for broader negotiations on regional security and nuclear issues.
The ambassador explains how the agreement could reshape global economic and geopolitical dynamics, particularly for Africa, and outlines the opportunities and challenges it may present for Namibia and the wider continent.
Below is an extract from the interview:
“Decidedly yes. Beyond crude oil, Iran is a major exporter of highly specialized petroleum products, petrochemicals, and technical services. Once the structural barriers are dismantled during the upcoming negotiations, direct trade in these products will offer Namibia highly competitive and cost-effective alternatives.”
Q: What sectors beyond oil and gas does Iran see as priorities for cooperation with Namibia?
“While energy is paramount, our priority sectors for Namibia include agriculture (particularly mechanized farming and joint agro-processing), health and pharmaceuticals, mining technology, vocational training the youths and infrastructure development. Iran’s advanced scientific and technological parks are fully ready to cooperate with Namibian institutions.”
Q: What is the current state of trade be- tween Namibia and Iran, and where do you see the greatest potential for growth?
“The current trade volume does not yet reflect the true depth of our political friendship, largely due to past external systemic constraints. The greatest immediate potential for growth lies in the energy value chain, technical engineering services, and agricultural trade. Our goal is to establish direct banking and trade mechanisms to bypass third-party intermediaries.”
Q: How important is Namibia to Iran’s broader engagement strategy in Southern Africa?
“Namibia is a cornerstone of Iran’s strategy in Southern Africa. Your political stability leading by your President, robust democratic institutions, strategic geographic location with world-class ports like Walvis Bay, and clear economic vision make Namibia an ideal hub for Iran’s broader economic engagement with the entire SADC region.”
Q: What assurances can Iran provide that future investments or agreements with Namibia will be sustainable and protected from geopolitical tensions?
Iran has always been committed to fulfilling its commitments. “Our assurance lies in the structure of our partnerships. Iran favours localized investments, joint ventures, and technology transfers that build Namibian capacity. By embedding our cooperation directly into the local economy and utilizing bilateral state- to-state frameworks, we ensure these projects remain resilient against external geopolitical shifts.”
Q: What role can African countries play in promoting peace and diplomacy in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions?
“African nations, with their profound history of overcoming struggle, carry immense moral weight in global diplomacy. By maintaining independent foreign policies and refusing to join unilateral bloc confrontations, Africa acts as a vital stabilizing force. Nations like Namibia champion the rule of international law and multilateralism, which the world desperately needs right now.”
Q: Do you believe the peace agreement will strengthen economic ties be- tween Iran and African nations that have historically maintained friendly relations with Tehran?
“Definitely. Nations like Namibia that stood by Iran during difficult times are our natural priorities. This agreement removes the artificial and illegal barriers that historically penalized our friendly partners for trading with us. We are entering a phase where political solidarity will be backed by robust, mutual economic prosperity.”
Q: Namibia has pursued a policy of non-alignment and constructive engagement with all nations. How does Iran view Namibia’s approach to international relations?
“Iran highly respects and commends Namibia’s principled stance of non-alignment and constructive engagement. It is a sophisticated approach that guards national sovereignty while fostering global peace. Our own foreign policy aligns closely with this philosophy — we reject foreign interference, external hegemony and believe in sovereign equality among all nations.”
Q: The U.S.-Iran peace agreement has been described as a major geopolitical break- through. Do you see this as the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Iran and the West, or merely a temporary pause in tensions?
Iran is approaching this process with absolute realism, shaped by past historical breaches. We do not look at this through the lens of abstract trust. This is a step-by-step, action-for-action framework. The initial phase has halted hostilities, and the 60-day comprehensive talks starting this friday will address structural is- sues. Whether this becomes a sustainable new chapter or a temporary pause depends entirely on the verifiable behaviour and political will of the Western parties to honour their legal commitments. We have given no blank checks.” In addition, Respect to Iran, non-interference in its internal affairs, withdrawal of their military forces in the region and leaving the region to self- decision for themselves.
Q: As global powers compete for influence and resources, where does Africa—and Namibia in particular—fit into Iran’s foreign policy priorities following this peace agreement, and what opportunities could emerge for countries like Namibia?
“Iran does not view Africa through the outdated lens of major-power competition or resource exploitation. We view Africa as an equal, sovereign partner in shaping a fairer, multipolar world order. Following this agreement, Namibia fits into our priority circle as a strategic partner. The emerging opportunities will not be transactional; they will be transformational. They will range from joint energy security infrastructure and direct technological sovereignty to mutual economic resilience. Together, we can demonstrate that international relations should be based on mutual respect and shared development, not coercion.”
Last Words:
Allow me to express my most sincere gratitude to the esteemed government and noble people of Namibia; a great nation that has al- ways stood by the Iranian nation on the basis of independence of the vote, justice, and human principles.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will never forget the principled positions of the high-ranking Namibian officials in supporting our country against the aggressions of the Israeli regime and America that have arisen since the independence of this country. This valuable solidarity in difficult days demonstrates the depth of friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.
I consider it necessary to especially thank the Prime Minister, the Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, Minister of Defense and the Secretary-General of the SWAPO Party, as well as the members of parliament who, while expressing solidarity, have contacted me over the past 100 days to receive the latest developments. I would also like to thank the noble people of Namibia who have expressed their strong feelings in support of the Iranian people in various programs and in meetings with me. A valuable act that carries a clear message of friendship, support, and resistance to bullying and aggression.
I am confident that the future of relations between the two countries will be very bright, based on respect, justice, and constructive co- operation. I wish the government and people of Namibia every success and pride.
