The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ebrahim I Ebrahim has concluded a successful visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran that took place from 16-18 April preceded by the Fourth Bilateral Consultation between South Africa and the State of Qatar held on 14-15 April in Doha.
The visit to Iran presented Deputy Minister Ebrahim with an opportunity to engage his counterpart Dr Hossein Amir Abdollahian on political developments in Iran particularly leading to the Presidential elections that would be held in two months’ time and also political developments in the region as Iran remains an influential and important player in its region.
Views were exchanged on the political developments in the Middle East with special focus on Palestine and Syria. Therefore the two principals had consensus on the situation in Syria, hence they called for immediate end to all forms of violence and that all parties without any pre-condition must entered into dialogue that would assist them to draw-up a new constitution and have elections.
Furthermore their also encouraged the Syrians to decide on their future without any interference.
In this regard, Deputy Minister Ebrahim shared with his counterpart the BRICS declaration which condemns Israel policy of expanding its settlement in the Palestine territory and speaks about supporting the struggle of the Palestine people for their independence. The occupation undermines the two state solutions within the borders demarcated by the United Nations (UN) in 1948.
The two principals also deliberated on the political developments in the African Region with a focus to Central African Republic, Somalia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The most important aspects that centred their discussions were around the Joint Commission which will see the two countries strengthening their relations and also reviewing Bilateral Agreements that exist. In this regard a Joint Commission will be held in October later this year.
Discussions were also held on how the two countries can provide a prospect of enhancing collaboration in multilateral areas. However Deputy Minister urged the Iranians to take necessary steps to normalise its relations with the international community.
During the visit Deputy Minister Ebrahim also made time to the Iranian Renewable Plants Projects where indicated that “As South Africa we are very keen on green and renewable energy in order for us to move away from the coal based energy which we are currently relying on. We will further examine Iran’s initiative on the latter for the development of our country and to save our environments.”
The visit was concluded with a courtesy call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran,Mr Ali Akbar Salehi who also reiterates a call for resuscitation of the Joint Commission as it was last held in 2002. He further expressed Iran’s willingness on expanding economic relations with South Africa despite International constraints.
For further information please contact:
Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
