Envoy: South Africa Eyeing to Broaden Trade, Economic Cooperation With Iran

South African Ambassador in Iran Vika Mazwi Khumalo voiced his country’s willingness to widen bilateral relations in different areas with Iran.

“The two countries would help fulfill each other’s needs,” Mazwi Khumalo said in a meeting with Head of Shiraz Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Jamal Razeqi on Tuesday.

The South Korean ambassador noted that the two countries are now reviewing the existing capacities for active cooperation.

“South Africa expects taking practical and tangible measures with regard to its relations with Iran and will give priority to demands and interests of both sides,” he added.

Referring to holding the Iran-South Africa 14th joint economic commission in Tehran, Mazwi Khumalo said solutions for developing cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

Razeqi, for his part, referred to sanctions imposed by enemies on Iran, saying Iran will definitely pass this difficult period.

Razeqi also expressed readiness for developing economic cooperation between Fars and South African businessmen.

In relevant remarks in late October, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani announced that Iran has paved the way for investment by South Africa in its development projects.

“We have facilitated the investment procedures for South African investors in a bid to provide a jump in economic cooperation between the two countries,” Larijani said in a meeting with Mazwi Khumalo in Tehran.

He underlined that South Africa is an effective country in Africa, and said, “It should be a pioneer in developing trade relations with Iran.”

Khumalo, for his part, underscored the importance of reinforcing relations between the two countries, and said that the recent joint economic commission meeting has resulted in signing new bilateral agreements.

The South African envoy described relations between Iran and South Africa as strong and fruitful, saying developing banking cooperation is the prerequisite for promoting economic relations.

Holding various exhibitions in Iran and South Africa is significant for finding capacities of both countries concerning developing cooperation, the diplomat said.