Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 3, 1996

We went to the airport at half past six in the morning. We flew to Kenya at twenty minutes past seven. Mr. [Ali Akbar] Velayati, [Minister of Foreign Affairs], [Mohammed Reza] Nematzadeh, [Minister of Industries], Mohsen, Hossein, Efat and Faeza were with him. I had a short interview at the airport. During the journey, which was about seven hours, we discussed many issues with our companions; Including presidential elections. Dr. Velayati also wants to be nominated. We had breakfast and lunch on the plane.

We landed at Nairobi airport at two o'clock Nairobi time. We were half an hour late; Because the Saudi government changed the designated route. Nairobi time is an hour and a half behind Tehran. They received a warm welcome. Christian and Muslim women, men and children celebrated our arrival by dancing, stomping, singing and clapping. The welcome ceremony was with a military program and parade, and Mr. Daniel Arap Moi, the president, with all the cabinet members and foreign ambassadors residing in Nairobi, came to the airport, according to their usual tradition, we signed the memorial book.

We moved towards the city. About twenty kilometers from the road, I asked Mr. Moi, [President of Kenya] a lot of questions in the car. We came to the hotel. He left and we rested. In the evening, we went to the presidential palace. Photos, videos, notebook notes, and then a private negotiation, which was the translator, Mohsen, and his secretary. I talked about Iran's many possibilities to solve the deficiencies of African countries, and he also talked about their political independence and decision-making based on their national interests. I wanted the facility to establish an airline and an Iranian bank and to speed up visas and clearing and buying and selling. There was supposed to be an official meeting with the presence of the ministers, but it was not held, and he said, the ministers should have a meeting by themselves. We came in front of reporters and they took pictures and asked questions about the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan.

We went to the parliament. The Speaker welcomed and we laid a wreath in honor of their first leader, Mr. [Jomo] Kiyanta, who led Kenya to independence in 1963. The anthems of the two countries were played. Again, a large crowd of black and mixed-race people gathered around the place and expressed their feelings. On the way to the streets, we are faced with crowds of people everywhere.

We went to the national park to plant a memorial tree. The point where England handed over the sovereignty to the revolution and it is customary for the heads of the countries to plant trees there. There were not many trees; There were about twenty trees that could not answer. Considering that more guests have come. We also visited two monuments. The mayor and the head of environment explained about them.

We returned to the hotel. Mr. Velayati came to summarize the negotiations. We decided to ask the reason for the program change. I asked in my head. He said this is our usual practice. We went for dinner at seven o'clock. Domestic and foreign personalities were also invited. The food was not bad; They have delicious chicken, like our native chickens. Mr. Muay and I gave a speech. He defended the Palestinian peace process and I disagreed and said that without giving the Palestinians their rights and the return of the refugees, peace will not be achieved.

We returned to the hotel. I watched some TV. It shows several important international channels. The news of Iraqi Kurdistan is of interest. At the dinner table and on the way, I asked many questions about their condition.