TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari said Iran attaches great importance to forging all-out ties with South Africa.





During a meeting with South African Deputy Foreign Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo in Pretoria on Wednesday, Jaberi Ansari said expansion of relations with South Africa in all fields is top on the agenda of Iran's foreign policy.

He further expressed the hope that President Hassan Rouhani�s planned official visit to South Africa will be made in the nearest future.

Mfeketo, for her part, referred to South African President Jacob Zuma�s visit to Tehran last year and said, �South Africa is awaiting a visit by the Iranian president�.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Jaberi Ansari left Tehran for Johannesburg on Wednesday to pay an official visit to South Africa and hold talks with senior officials of the country on issues of mutual interest.

The Iranian diplomat will meet with South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on ways to boost cooperation between the two countries.

During his two-day trip, he will also attend the 7th meeting of Iran-South Africa Joint Political Committee on bilateral relations.

Holding a meeting with the Iranian expatriates in the African country and attending a session with elites and local media persons are also on the agenda of Jaberi Ansari.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who took office in August 2013, has repeatedly stressed his government�s interest in boosting relations with African states.

By Tasnim News Agency