Iran's president criticizes West for its stance toward developing countries

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday criticized the West for being selfish and arrogant toward developing countries during a visit to Uganda.

In his speech at a joint press conference with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Entebbe, he said there is a need for Western countries to recognize the independence and freedom of other countries.

‘‘Because of Western countries' dominance, they do not want to see developing countries adding value to their resources or to process their raw materials,” he said.

Raisi said that although it has been sabotaged by the Western countries, Iran has managed to advance in several aspects. He gave the example of medicines and pharmaceuticals, where he said they produce 95% of the drugs they need.

He said Western countries always accuse developing countries of abusing human rights but they are actually the biggest human rights abusers.

Raisi said Iran is ready to assist Uganda in developing its oil industry because it has much knowledge about it.

He blamed the Western world for promoting homosexuality with the intention of destroying the human race. He thanked Uganda for fighting against homosexuality and said that is one area where the two countries totally agree.

Museveni called on Iran to cooperate with Uganda in agriculture development.