Joint Communiqué of the 9th Joint Bilateral Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran held in Pretoria on 21 and 22 August 2006 (corresponding to 30 and 31 Mordad 1385)

1. At the invitation of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Manouchehr Mottaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, paid an official visit to South Africa on 21 and 22 August 2006 (corresponding to 30 and 31 Mordad 1385 Iranian Calendar) in order to participate in the 9th meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission.
   
   
2. During the visit, Dr Dlamini Zuma and Mr Mottaki conducted bilateral discussions and led their respective delegations to the meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission. Mr Mottaki also paid a courtesy visit to President Thabo Mbeki and had bilateral discussions with the Ministers of Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy, as well as Science and Technology. In addition, Mr Mottaki visited Sasol's synthetic fuel facility in Secunda and gave a lecture at the University of Pretoria.
   
   
3. Other members of the Iranian delegation interacted with their South African counterparts in the Working Groups of the Joint Commission.
   
   
4. In their opening remarks at the Joint Bilateral Commission, both Ministers
   of Foreign Affairs expressed their satisfaction with the good relationship that exists between South Africa and Iran, as well as at the efforts made since the 8th Joint Bilateral Commission to strengthen political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Both Ministers expressed the desire to see the relationship develop further in the following areas: Economic co-operation, Mining, Agriculture and Women's Affairs. The Ministers decided to create two working groups as follows:
   
   4.1 The "Political and Social Affairs Working Group" was co-chaired by Amb Jerry Matjila, the Deputy Director-General: Asia and Middle East at the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and by Amb Javid Ghorbanoghli, Secretary of the Africa Headquarters of Iran and Director-General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   
   4.2 The "Economic and Technical Working Group" was co-chaired by Mr Iqbal Meer Sharma, Acting Deputy Director-General: International Trade and Economic Development at the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa and by Mr Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi Mirkalaei, Director-General for African and Arab States at the Ministry of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
   
   
5. Both Working Groups reviewed the decisions taken during the 8th meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission held in Tehran on 14 and 15 December 2004 (corresponding to 24 and 25 Azar 1383) and expressed their satisfaction at the progress that had been achieved.
   
   
6. It was also recognised that the Second Deputy Ministerial Working Group, which met in Pretoria in July 2005, contributed significantly to the good relations and interaction that exist between South Africa and Iran. It was agreed that a further meeting of the Third Deputy Ministerial Working Group should be held in Tehran six months after the ninth meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission.
   
   
7. Political and Social Affairs Working Group
   
   7.1 The Middle East
   
   The two sides acknowledged the political and economic importance of the Middle East region and agreed that without lasting peace in the region there can be no global peace, stability and economic prosperity.
   
   The Working Group discussed the situation in the Middle East and in particular the latest developments in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq. The delegation from Iran provided an overview of the role that the Islamic Republic is playing to enhance peace, security and stability in the region. Both countries agreed that the continuing hostilities in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine, draws attention away from the international development debate and channels development resources to expensive military campaigns.
   
   His Excellency, Minister Mottaki briefed his South African counterpart on his visits to various States in the Middle East to discuss the Israeli attack on Lebanon. Whilst both countries welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 calling for the cessation of hostilities, Minister Mottaki expressed his country's reservations on parts of the Resolution. Both countries reiterated the need for the implementation of the said Resolution. Both sides called for immediate measures by the international community to assist the Lebanese people in the reconstruction of their country.
   
   Both sides agreed that the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories of Palestine continues to worsen, and called upon the international community to provide appropriate assistance.
   
   Both sides recognised the inalienable right of people under occupation to self-determination and territorial integrity
   
   Both sides condemned the disproportionate attacks by Israel on the Lebanese infrastructure and civilian population.
   
   Both sides welcomed the establishment of a national government in Iraq and expressed their full support to the Government and people of Iraq. Both sides expressed a deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Iraq that threatens to push Iraq into civil war. Both sides called on the international community to ensure that peace and security return to Iraq and that reconstruction of the country commences as soon as possible and expressed their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.
   
   Both sides agreed that the presence of a multinational force in Iraq be terminated as soon as possible.
   
   7.2 Africa
   
   The South African side indicated that the focus of its foreign policy was the consolidation of the African Agenda and added that it remains committed to the socio-political upliftment of the continent that includes the aims of security and stability and the eradication of poverty.
   
   The two delegations noted the fact that the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency President M Ahmadinejad, attended the recent Summit of the African Union in Banjul, the Gambia. Upon his return the President shared his impressions of the continent with the Cabinet and reaffirmed the commitment of the Iranian Government towards the development of Africa.
   
   The South African delegation provided a briefing on recent developments in Africa and the role it is playing within the context of the African Union to promote peace, stability and prosperity on the Continent. In particular, reference was made to South Africa's role in assisting the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to conduct peaceful democratic elections. Brief discussions were also held on the situations in Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi and the Sudan.
   
   The two delegations exchanged ideas and information about co-operation on Africa's socio-economic development programme NEPAD, as well as measures to expedite and support cooperation between Iran and NEPAD.
   
   In this regard, Ambassador Javid Ghorbanoghli, Secretary of the Africa Headquarter and Director-General for Africa, has extended an invitation to the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Secretariat to visit Tehran during December 2006. This will provide an opportunity to formalise and extend the co-operation between Iran and NEPAD and to discuss the practical implementation of the co-operation offered by Iran in order to foster mutually beneficial relations between Africa and Iran in pursuit of socio-economic development. The visit will also be important in the context of finalising the "Proposed Framework of Co-operation between the Africa Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the NEPAD Secretariat" as submitted by the Iranian authorities to the NEPAD Secretariat for consideration.
   
   The Iranian side reported on progress with regard to the work of Iran's Africa Headquarter under His Excellency, the Executive Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, efforts to mobilise all government departments in support of African development.
   
   7.3 Disarmament and nuclear issue
   
   Both sides reiterated the basic and inalienable right of all NPT States as provided for in Article IV of the Treaty, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with Articles I, II, and III of the NPT. They reaffirmed that nothing in the Treaty should be interpreted in a way that inhibits or restricts the right of all parties to the Treaty to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
   
   It was also reiterated that States' choices and decisions in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and their fuel cycle policies should be respected.
   
   Both sides underlined that all issues on safeguards and verification, including those of Iran, should be resolved within the framework of the IAEA, and should be based on technical and legal grounds. South Africa emphasised the importance for the IAEA to continue its work in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue and in this context encouraged the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue to co-operate closely with the Agency.
   
   Both sides strongly emphasised that diplomacy and dialogue through peaceful means must continue with a view to finding a long-term solution to the problem with due consideration to the rights, obligations, needs and aspirations of all the parties concerned.
   
   Both sides reiterated their commitment to the non-proliferation of all weapons of mass destruction and to their complete elimination.
   
   7.4 Human Rights
   
   Both sides emphasised the importance of international co-operation to protect and promote human rights.
   
   Both sides emphasised the need for an equal and balanced approach toward human rights including political, economic, social and cultural rights and reiterated the fulfilment of development rights through international co-operation and strengthening the relevant mechanism within the United Nations system.
   
   Both sides welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Council, which met for the first time in Geneva in June 2006 and undertook to engage bilaterally, as well as at multilateral fora on human rights issues.
   
   Both sides hope that the new Human Rights Council would fulfil its obligations and its mandate to the letter without prejudice.
   
   7.5 Global Governance
   
   Both sides emphasised the importance of multilateralism and the observance of international rules and regulations and the promotion of the role of the UN. The parties agreed on the need to comprehensively reform the UN and especially the Security Council in view of the post-cold war developments. In this regard the two sides agreed on the need to reassert the centrality of the General Assembly.
   
   7.6 Regional Co-operation
   
   7.6.1. Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC)
   
   The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the work done at the first Heads of Mission Working Group meeting which was facilitated successfully by South Africa in Pretoria on 18 May 2006. The meeting reviewed the periodic work programme presented by the Chair of IOR-ARC and discussed the relevance, as well as the progress in terms of the implementation of current projects/ initiatives within the IOR-ARC context. At the meeting, it was decided that non-productive projects/ initiatives be reviewed and their implementation be accelerated, affording member states the opportunity to follow up on the status of more productive initiatives and to encourage ownership of these initiatives in order to make progress.
   
   Both sides proposed the continuation of close co-operation between the IOR-ARC Chair (Iran), the next Chair (Yemen) and the IOR-ARC Executive Director, Mr Samsudeen who is based in Mauritius. In addition, South Africa would continue to encourage improved co-operation among IOR-ARC member states, especially in view of the planned IOR-ARC Summit and Tenth Anniversary Celebrations next year (2007), as well as assisting the IOR-ARC Secretariat in monitoring the implementation and progress of IOR-ARC initiatives.
   
   7.6.2. New Asia- Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP)
   
   The two sides reiterated that the importance of inter-continental co-operation between sub-regional organisations or regional economic communities remains as a cornerstone of NAASP. Provision has been made for the two countries' representatives to meet during the first NAASP Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) that is scheduled to take place from 1-3 September 2006 in Durban, SA. Both the Economic Cooperation Organisation and Southern African Development Community have been invited to attend the above meeting to represent their regional constituencies.
   
   South Africa and Iran undertook to follow developments within the newly created NAASP framework and explore additional areas of co-operation in all three tiers of NAASP interaction, namely government-to-government (political solidarity, economic cooperation and socio-cultural relations); sub-regional cooperation; and people-to-people cooperation.
   
   7.7 Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (AsgiSA)
   
   The South African side briefed their Iranian counterparts on the origin and goals of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (AsgiSA). Special emphasis was placed on the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA). The South African side requested Iran to consider supporting the objectives of AsgiSA and formally requested Iran to assist South African nationals in acquiring skills in the upstream and downstream petrochemical sector.
   
   The Iranian side expressed its full support for the South African programme and declared its willingness to discuss ways in which Iran could support the aims of the programme.
   
   7.8. Education
   
   The two parties agreed to pursue co-operation in the field of education, including the exchange of information and visits between the two educational systems.
   
   7.9 Health
   
   Further to paragraph 1.12 on health of the 8th JBC held in Tehran, a South African delegation visited Iran in May 2006 to finalise the registration of doctors. A total of 27 doctors were registered and given job offers and contracts for a period of three years.
   
   The parties noted with satisfaction the arrival and deployment of the 1st group of Iranian doctors to the selected SA provinces. The parties further agreed to accelerate the process of recruitment of the next group of Iranian doctors as a second phase for implementing the protocol on Recruitment of Health Professionals.
   
   The South African side noted with appreciation the active participation of the Senior Advisor of the Iranian Minister of Health and Medical Education in the briefing meeting of the Iranian doctors and his courtesy visit to the Special Advisor of the Ministry of Health of South Africa.
   
   Both sides agreed to the establishment of a joint working group to develop a pilot project on district Primary Health care network in one of the South African provinces.
   
   The Iranian side requested the South African side to accelerate the review of the technical document relating to the 10 Iranian pharmaceutical products, which were submitted to the Department of Health of South Africa. This would enable the Iranian pharmaceutical companies to start with the production of the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals for marketing in South Africa as a joint project. The South African side agreed to explore possibilities in ensuring such joint collaboration.
   
   Both parties agreed to set up a joint committee to develop a joint collaborative plan for the prevention and control of major emerging and re-emerging diseases including TB, Malaria, Hepatitis C, Avian Flu and Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and HIV/AIDS.
   
   7.10 Environment and Tourism
   
   Both sides agreed to the implementation of the objectives of the MOU signed between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran on 11 October 2003 in the fields of environment and tourism.
   
   Both sides emphasised the need for the exchange of information on management programmes in protected areas and eco-tourism.
   
   Both sides stressed the need for accelerating the agreement reached on conservation issues in marine, terrestrial, wetlands (national and international), desert and ocean eco-systems, as well as in nature and human-based activities.
   
   7.11 Arts and Culture
   
   Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening and promoting art and cultural relations between the two countries and expressed their preparedness to sign the P.O.C of the cultural agreement at the earliest possible time. The Iranian side declared its readiness to establish the cultural centre of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pretoria after obtaining the permission for that proposal from the South African side.
   
   7.12 Home Affairs
   
   The two sides discussed the exchange of delegations to investigate the possibility of signing an Agreement on the Exemption of Visas for Diplomatic and Official passports holders. It was also agreed to consider the possibility of exempting bona fide tourists for a period of thirty days.
   
   The two sides agreed that the invitation to the South African Minister of Home Affairs to visit Iran would be encouraged once the officials have agreed on the modalities of this Agreement.
   
   7.13. Sport and Recreation
   
   Both sides reviewed the MOU on Co-operation in the Field of Sport and Recreation and noted that it had expired and would have to be renewed.
   
   The South African side expressed their appreciation for the offer made by the Islamic Republic of Iran to assist with technical issues pertaining to the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
   
   7.14 Science and Technology
   
   Both sides agreed that the Iran-SA scientific and technological co-operation started very well after the signing of the Co-operation Agreement in May 2000, but lost some momentum recently due to a variety of reasons. However, joint calls for proposals through the National Research Foundation and student exchanges at especially universities of technology continued satisfactorily.
   
   In order for this partnership to grow and be revitalized, it is envisaged that the focus be possibly limited to three thematic areas, namely Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and gas-to-liquid. With a reduced scope there would be more intense interactions, and the scientists and researchers from both sides will be encouraged to continue engaging in exchange visits, and possibly conducting joint workshops on these thematic areas, as well as promoting and undertaking joint research projects.
   
   The South African side has agreed to make available a sum of money in order to support research work under the existing bilateral agreement. A new joint call for proposals will be posted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and their Iranian counterparts. Projects to be supported will be restricted to the three thematic areas identified above. This position will be reviewed in next Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Co-operation between the two countries, which both sides agreed to hold within the next six months in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
   
   7.15 Women's Affairs
   
   The two sides agreed on the important role played by women in both countries.
   
   During the JBC the Centre for Woman and Family Affairs (Presidential Office) met with the Office for the Status of Women in the South African Presidency. During the meeting, the issues of empowerment of women were discussed, especially in the promotion of entrepreneurs and employment in rural areas.
   
   The South African side invited the Centre for Woman and Family Affairs to attend the international symposium on "Women and Rural Development" which will take place in South Africa in October 2007.
   
   The two sides agreed to continue to exchange views on bilateral and international issues of mutual concern.
   
   
8. Economic and Technical Working Group
   
   With a view to strengthening the existing relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa and achieving the determined aims of previous joint commissions, both sides expressed the wish to expand the volume of trade in goods and create more diversity in trade exchanges using different methods and performing the following recommended steps:
   
   8.1 Commerce
   
   The Iranian side declared its readiness to start experts' discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement which was presented through diplomatic channels to the Republic of South Africa. South Africa stated that agreements of this nature are only negotiated multilaterally, through a Customs Union (SACU). An undertaking was made by the Republic of South Africa that this matter will be presented before the SACU Council of Ministers' agenda, and this will be done within the next (6) six months.
   
   8.2 Exhibitions
   
   In order to promote trade relations and economic co-operation, the two countries agreed to participate in each other's international trade exhibitions and fairs and underlined, particularly, a need for introducing their products to each other through exclusive exhibitions to be held in their respective countries.
   
   The two countries agreed that they will encourage and facilitate the Iranian International Exhibitions Company and the organisation(s) concerned in South Africa undertake exhibitions in each other's country with the aim of exposing goods and products of each country.
   
   8.3 Customs
   
   The two countries note and appreciated the signing of the Customs Cooperation Agreement as it will enhance technical co-operation between them. On implementation, this agreement will also facilitate the promotion of trade between the private sectors of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa.
   
   8.4 Oil and Petrochemical
   
   Following the request by PETROSA, the Iranian side will submit a proposal with regards to the use of the strategic crude oil storage in Saldanha Bay.
   
   The NIOC is ready to assist in the training of South African experts in the downstream and upstream sectors. South Africa undertook to forward a draft proposal within a month.
   
   The National Petrochemical Company (NPC) also expressed its readiness to assist in the training of South African experts and emerging entrepreneurs in the petrochemical sector. South Africa undertook to submit their training needs within a month.
   
   Both sides agreed to expand their Technical, Economic and Trade co-operation in the petrochemical sector on the basis of long-term agreements.
   
   Both sides agreed to encourage joint venture investment to lay the grounds for increasing the supply of petrochemical, chemical and polymer products in Iran, South Africa and third party countries.
   
   8.5 Transport
   
   (a) Rail
   
   Both sides agreed to explore co-operation in the following fields:
   
   · Supplying parts needed for GM and GE Locomotives.
   · Training (Short term and long-term academic trainings in B.S and M.S degrees).
   · Supplying bogies needed for Wagon Pars Co.
   
   (b) Maritime
   
   Both sides noted the agreed minutes of the Joint Bilateral Merchant Shipping Committee, which took place on the 21st October 2005, in Cape Town.
   
   The Working Group urged the relevant Ministries on both sides to implement their commitment and to convene the second meeting of the Joint Bilateral Merchant Shipping Committee in Tehran in 2007 to review progress.
   
   The South African side informed the Iranian side of the Conference of the African Ministers responsible for Maritime Transport which will take place in October 2006 in Abuja. This conference will review the African Maritime Transport Charter which will redefine Africa's maritime relations with the world.
   
   (c) Air
   
   Both sides agreed to encourage the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and to support airlines of respective countries which are interested in operating flights between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
   
   8.6 Agriculture
   
   Both sides expressed the desire to co-operate in initiatives to alleviate poverty especially through development in the agricultural sector with specific reference to women.
   
   The Parties stated their commitment to promote capacity building through education and training in economic activities in the agricultural sector.
   
   Both sides also expressed their willingness to host managers, experts and examples of successful rural development projects so as to share information and experience.
   
   These initiatives will be on the basis of mutual benefit and availability of resources. Both sides extended invitations to attend their "Women Farmer of the Year" events.
   
   Both sides emphasized on expansion of agricultural cooperation in different fields namely: horticulture, farming, water and soil, research and training, livestock and plant protection, while the Iranian side expressed its readiness to host the head of South Africa's "Agricultural Research Council" (ARC).
   
   Considering the increasing level of agricultural trade between the two countries, both sides expressed their readiness to negotiate an agreement on plant quarantine.
   
   The above applies on condition that the co-operation will be of mutual benefit to both parties and that both parties dispose of the necessary resources.
   
   8.7 Housing
   
   The Iranian Shaheed Investment Company discussed with the relevant South African Parties the construction of low-cost housing. Shaheed Investment Company undertook to send a team for financial and technical surveys to the Republic of South Africa. The South African Party undertook to prepare and present a program for the visit of the Iranian team to the Republic of South Africa within six months.
   
   8.8 Free Trade Zones
   
   The Iranian Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones expressed their interest and stated their invitation that:
   
   (i) The investment companies of the Republic of South Africa should participate in capital investments in creation and completion of the infrastructures and public utilities in the Iranian Free Trade Zones.
   
   
   (ii) The investment companies, industrialists and persons dealing with the export-import enterprises of the Republic of South Africa should participate in economic activities (production, processing of goods, export and re-export) in the Iranian Free Trade Zones.
   
   
   (iii) The export - import traders of the Republic of South Africa should set up permanent exhibition centres for goods in order to take advantage of the Iranian Free Trade Zones to access the markets of Central Asian States.
   
   (iv) The insurance companies, crediting and financial institutes of the Republic of South Africa should participate in Iranian Free Trade Zones insurance Sector.
   
   8.9 Investment co-operation
   
   Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the implementation of the agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments signed between two counties and agreed that the exchange of information, holding seminars about investment opportunities in both countries and periodical meetings between private and state sectors are essential.
   
   In emphasizing the importance of the joint investment in various fields between private and public sectors of the two countries, both sides agreed to establish joint investment subcommittees.
   
   The two sides invited potential investors, industrialists and export/import enterprises to participate in economic activities (production processing of goods, export and re-export) in identified areas.
   
   8.10 Banking
   
   The Export Guarantee Fund of Iran expresses its readiness to cover the non-payment risk of short, medium and long term credits to be granted to South African buyers against a sovereign guarantee or against L/Cs opened or Bank Guarantees issued by EGFI's acceptable Banks (Absa, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank). Moreover, non-payment risk of all credits to be granted to South African firms on open account basis is coverable after the buyers have been assessed as credit worthy.
   
   8.11 Trade Promotion
   
   Both sides raised the issue of the continuing trade imbalance between the two countries. It was agreed that the Trade Promotion Agencies of both countries will take measures to promote increased trade exchanges and to diversify trade. The Iranian side stated that they are ready to purchase sugar, maize, paper and other commodities and products directly from the Republic of South Africa.
   
   8.12 Electricity
   
   The two sides have established a working group to look at identifying projects for possible co-operation. Energy Ministry SATKAB Holding Company from the Iranian side and Department of Minerals and Energy from the South African side, were introduced for further follow-ups and will meet in Tehran and Pretoria every six months. The first meeting is to be held in Tehran within the next 60 days.
   
   The Parties expressed their intention to enhance their co-operation in the various fields of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and the working group shall especially examine modes of co-operation in:
   
   · Implementation of projects on EPC basis,
   
   · Manufacturing and supply of transformers and switchgears,
   
   · Transfer of technology and training, either via establishing of joint venture between Iranian and South African companies, or individually.
   
   8.13 Mining
   
   Both Parties agreed to implement the signed agreement in advancing co-operation in the mining sector.
   
   
9. It was agreed that the 10th Meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission should be held in Tehran in 2007. The exact date of the Meeting shall be mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
   
   
10. Dr Mottaki expressed his appreciation to Dr Dlamini Zuma for the hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
    
    
11. The Joint Communiqué of the 9th Meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission between South Africa and Iran was concluded in Pretoria on 22 August 2006 (corresponding to 31 Mordad 1385) in the English and Farsi languages, which are both equally authentic.