TEHRAN – The late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian was perhaps the only top Iranian diplomat who understood that the world has different pillars and that all countries must be addressed with the same level of respect and engagement. 

Amir Abdollahian is believed to have left a lasting mark on ties between Iran and African nations. His commitment to Africa takes on even greater significance when considering the current global power dynamics. Russia, China, and the United States are all vying for influence in the continent, making Amir Abdollahian's work to forge strong ties with African nations all the more impactful.

To better understand the significance of his legacy, we spoke with Bright Kupemba, Zimbabwe's esteemed ambassador to Tehran, about the late senior diplomat’s endeavors and efforts to elevate Iran's relationship with Africa.

The text of the interview has been edited for more clarity and conciseness: 

Q: How was the news of the late Amir Abdollahian's passing received in Zimbabwe?

A: First, let me begin by saying that we were in a state of shock and extreme sadness when we heard the news of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian's passing. Our sorrow is still very fresh. We grew very strong ties with Iran during the past three years and these two figures were responsible for driving it to where it is. President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian's visit to Zimbabwe last year received immense attention inside our country and people were deeply shocked and moved when they heard about what had happened.

Q: Do you think the late top diplomat put a particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the African states compared to his previous predecessors? 

A: Yes, there was a deliberate move by the president and the Foreign Minister to forge relations with Africa. As we all know Dr. Amir Abdollahian used to be a deputy minister for Africa and the Middle East from 2011 to 2016. I believe during this time he grew an affinity with Africa. He deeply wanted to understand Africa's history, culture, and political landscape. That's why he ended up feeling the need to forge close relations with African nations. He took it upon himself to make sure that relations were taken to a new level. I believe he did ultimately gain a deep understanding and knowledge of Africa, and what he pursued in his diplomatic endeavors was eventually based on mutual benefit and respect. Dr. Amir Abdollahian also believed in the multi-polarization of the world. That was an even bigger reason for him to strengthen and expand ties with African states because in a future multiple-polar world Africa can certainly not be left out. In the view of many, Africa is in fact going to be one of the main pillars.

Q: Do you expect to see less focus and emphasis on ties between Iran and Zimbabwe now that Minister Amir Abdollahian is gone?

A: Our relations with Iran are deep and systematic. Our current president visited Iran shortly after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and was received by the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khomeini. The road map for our ties was designed years ago and we have kept in touch in various ways over the last decades. So, I don't think relations between Iran and Zimbabwe are going to take a significant hit because there is a firm nucleus to our relations. But I would say that Dr. Amir Abdollahian had a very big emphasis on ties with African nations and multi-polarity. During his tenure, our ties began to have more strategic, knowledge-based, and tech-based exchanges. We also saw an increase in economic trade. I don't know who is going to replace him but whoever he or she is, might not have the same deep knowledge of Africa. Nevertheless, I think ties between the two nations will continue unabated because they are systematic, fixed, and rooted in history.

Q: How would you describe Dr. Amir Abdollahian's character and what made him such an effective diplomat?

A: Dr. Abdollahian was an exceptional diplomat, blending academic rigor and intellectualism with remarkable diplomatic skills.  He was a master negotiator, firm yet diplomatic, persistent yet elegant in his approach. While his kind demeanor might have initially suggested a softer personality, he was truly a force to be reckoned with. All these traits combined made him one of the finest top diplomats in the history of modern Iran. 

His tireless energy was evident in his constant travel, especially between Tehran and Baghdad during the crucial period leading up to the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. His unwavering determination, courage, and skill were evident in all his endeavors. 

His humble beginnings, marked by the loss of his father at a young age and a challenging financial life, likely contributed to his resilience and tenacity. He was a diplomat par excellence, even in his final days, traveling to Azerbaijan to mend ties with Baku while simultaneously overseeing a project launch.  

Dr. Abdollahian navigated the region through a turbulent period and always strived to achieve a positive outcome for all involved. He was a man who believed deeply in his mission to create a better future, and I think his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.