TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian parliament speaker underlined the need for the expansion of relations between the Islamic Republic and South Africa, saying stronger ties between the two strategic countries would create new conditions in the world.
“The cooperation between Iran and South Africa, which are among the influential countries in two sensitive parts of the globe, could create new conditions in the world,” Ali Larijani told reporters in Tehran on Sunday, upon his arrival from a tour of the African continent.

Heading a parliamentary delegation, Larijani had started his trip to Africa on March 4 by an official visit to South Africa, where he met that country’s high-ranking officials. The African tour had also taken him to Congo-Brazzaville before returning home.

The speaker then pointed to the meetings during his stay in the southernmost country in the black continent, and said, “In South Africa, we discussed the major regional issues and the two countries’ economic relations with the South African officials because of the age-old ties we have had.”

Larijani further touched on the numerous stages for mutual cooperation with South Africa, saying Iran and the African nation can boost ties in mining, industry and engineering fields.

In a meeting with Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly Max Sisulu in Pretoria on March 5, Larijani announced that Tehran and Pretoria should strive for more joint investments in areas like petrochemical, petroleum and mining industries.

He had also described Iran and South Africa’s ties as historical and said the two countries’ relations will continue to develop.

Larijani also had a meeting with South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma.

Africa is the continent that Iran has long strived to maximize relations with.

Expansion of relations with African countries in all political, economic and cultural fields is top on the agenda of the Iranian foreign policy.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has repeatedly said that his government welcomes boosting relations with the African nations.

By Tasnim News Agency

 

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