South Africa's Deputy President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, heading an eco-political delegation, were welcomed by Vice President Es'hagh Jahangiri at Saadabad Palace on Saturday.
Talking at a session held between the high ranking delegations of Iran and South Africa, Jahangiri said that the two countries had good relations in years after Apartheid which we hope will continue.
He added that most of the agreements needed for expanding mutual cooperation have been signed between the two countries; however some of them should be reviewed in the joint commission since they faced obstacles in implementation.
He stressed on enhancing trade and economic ties saying that following the historic nuclear agreement in Vienna, western countries and grand economic powers are competing to attend Iran’s markets; however our brother country South Africa is a priority.
He also added “considering Iran-South Africa’s successful experiences in the field of joint investment, economic ties can boost between the two countries.”
The two countries can expand cooperation in industry, mines, agriculture, insurance and stock exchange, banking and financial services as well as energy, he said.
Jahangiri went on to say that Iran and South Africa are located in important and strategic regions which allows them to boost constructive cooperation in international communities.
Having the infra-structures of railroad, road and important trade ports in the Persian Gulf, Iran can ease South Africa’s access to the markets of Central Asia, Caucasus as well as Russia and South Africa as a gate to African continent has a great position; accordingly the determination of both countries to boost mutual ties will impact the development of the two regions, he noted.
Talking about the latest regional developments particularly Syria, Iraq and Yemen, Jahangiri added that political solutions should be offered instead of military actions.
He also thanked South Africa for supporting Iran’s nuclear rights.
South Africa's Deputy President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, for his part, said that he is visiting Iran to reinforce mutual ties and added “the two countries enjoy historical and long-lasting relations. Iran supported our country during the hard days of Apartheid."
He said that 80 businesspersons and investors are accompanying him in this visit and added that South African companies intend to invest in Iran seriously.
The African official congratulated Iran for its nuclear agreement and said “We believe that the agreement has provided many opportunities for expanding economic ties which will indeed be useful for other countries as well.”
Following the negotiations, the documents and Memoranda of Understandings (MoU) were signed.
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