Iran Hails S. Africa’s Support for Palestine

In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor talked about the most important bilateral, regional and international issues.

Amirabdollahian referred to the importance of Africa in Iran’s foreign policy, underlining the new Iranian administration’s firm resolve to expand ties with the continent, especially with South Africa.

He also described the ties between the two countries in different fields as good.

Referring to the 14th Joint Economic Commission of Iran and South Africa that was held successfully, Amirabdollahian declared Iran’s readiness to hold the 15th event in the near future.

He also stressed that there are many opportunities and possibilities in the relations between Iran and South Africa.

The top Iranian diplomat referred to Iran and South Africa’s support for each other’s stance in the international organizations and underlined the need for the continuation of this trend and cooperation at the world bodies.

He further spoke about South Africa’s good positions on the issue of Palestine, saying, “You experienced apartheid in your own country and perfectly understand the current situation of the apartheid against the Palestinian people.”

For her part, Pandor described Iran as South Africa’s good friend and underscored that relations with Tehran are important for her country.

She then thanked Iran’s support for South Africa in the international organizations, adding, “We view Palestine as our friend.”

She also extended an invitation by her country’s president to the president of Iran to visit South Africa, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

Pandor finally expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to South Africa would give a boost to the bilateral relations.