Zarif Optimistic about Closer Ties between Iran, South Africa
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in South Africa, voiced optimism about closer ties and cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking in Pretoria on Wednesday evening, Zarif expressed the hope that the 11th meeting of Iran-South Africa Joint Cooperation Commission would result in closer bilateral relations between the two countries’ private sectors.
Zarif described South Africa as "an active and influential country on the international stage" and stated, “Tehran attaches great importance to its relations with Pretoria.”
He said that South Africa is one of the important countries in the continent, and one of the major players of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
“Iran welcomes further enhancement of the ties with the South Africa” said the Iranian diplomat, expressing the hope that the two countries’ private and state sectors would help boost mutual economic, trade and technical ties.
The Iranian minister of foreign affairs will also have a meeting with senior South African officials, including President Jacob Zuma.
Expansion of relations with African countries in all political, economic and cultural fields is a matter of prime importance in Iranian foreign policy agenda.