High-level delegation to visit Iran

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo will this weekend lead a high-level delegation to the Islamic Republic of Iran on a working visit.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Thursday the working visit will be from Saturday to Sunday. 

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by the Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry and Energy, as well as senior officials from Trade and Industry, Energy, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and National Treasury.

According to the department, South Africa and Iran maintain good bilateral relations and regularly convene meetings of the Joint Commission, which is a structured framework to promote cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, health, water and sanitation and science and technology.

The department said the last session of the Joint Commission, which was the 12th session, was held in Iran in May 2015 and co-chaired by International Relations ad Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif.

“The South African government welcomes the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between the P5+1 and Iran on 14 July 2015 on outstanding matters regarding the Iranian nuclear program and supports the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 

“This historic agreement is testament to the success of a negotiated and diplomatic solution, to which South Africa has steadfastly and continuously lent its full support,” said the department.

It said the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will also create an opportunity for South Africa and Iran to resume their trade, investment and economic relations, allowing the two countries to deepen their ties even further.-SAnews.gov.za