Press Release
15 June 2014
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane undertakes a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has arrived today in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, for a two-day working visit.
The Minister will deliver a keynote address at a Seminar under the theme: “20 years of South Africa’s freedom and relations between South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The objective of the Seminar is to share with Iranians, South Africa’s holistic, political and constitutional experience; to enhance South Africa / Iran trade relations and investment through the promotion of mutually beneficial investment opportunities; and to develop cultural exchange programmes between South Africa and Iran.
During her visit to the Islamic Republic, the Minister will participate in the 20th anniversary celebrations of South Africa’s freedom and democracy, hosted by the South African Embassy in Tehran.
Whilst in Tehran, it is expected that Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will meet with her Iranian counterpart, Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and pay a courtesy call on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E Dr Hassan Rouhani.
South Africa maintains a friendly relationship with Iran, even though the international sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic have made trade increasingly difficult.
In October 2013, South Africa hosted the Eleventh Meeting of the South Africa–Iran Joint Commission. The Joint Commission with Iran is one of the longest running structured bilateral mechanisms that South Africa has with any country. Bilateral trade with Iran for 2013 amounted to R211 million. Total imports from Iran amounted to R48.6 million and total exports to Iran amounted to R162.6 million.
For more information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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