Media Statement
28 September 2016
Deputy Minister Mfeketo to host the South Africa-Iran Deputy Ministerial Working Group
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo will host the South Africa - Iran Deputy Ministerial Working Group (DMWG) on Thursday, 29 September 2016 in Pretoria, with her Iranian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaber Ansari.
The DMWG provides impetus to the Structured Bilateral Mechanism and is mandated to track progress in normalising trade and financial relations between the respective countries in the post-sanctions era and to guide and institute measures in this respect.
Furthermore, the purpose and objective of the DMWG will be to ensure Ministerial oversight in monitoring the implementation of the policy objective of consolidating and elevating the South Africa-Iran bilateral relationship into a substantive strategic partnership within targeted sectors.
The meeting will focus on the outcomes of the Presidential State visit to Iran, as well as the enhancement of trade, investment and economic relations. In addition, the DMWG will assess the implementation of the South Africa-Iran Strategic Framework. It is expected that the outcome of the meeting will subsequently inform the substantive part of the South Africa-Iran Joint Commission.
The State Visit of President Jacob Zuma during April 2016 to the Islamic Republic of Iran culminated in the signing of several agreements and commitments by both sides to take economic and trade relations to greater heights, following the lifting of sanctions against Iran. The two Presidents undertook to take cooperation to a higher level in the fields of trade; education and skills development; science and technology; energy; agriculture; mining and mineral beneficiation; infrastructure development and transport; finance; banking; as well as insurance and tourism.
South Africa views the Islamic Republic of Iran as a strategic trading partner within the Middle East and Central Asian regions. In the bilateral sphere, South Africa and Iran share a long historical relationship, with Iran having stood with and supported the struggle for liberation in South Africa. South Africa has also stood with Iran in the face of unilaterally imposed sanctions.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
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