S. Africa to promote ties with Iran

The South African government said on Wednesday it considers Iran to be an important friend and partner and recognizes the important role Iran assumes regionally and internationally within global governance and multilateral architecture, particularly as the incumbent Chair of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM).

The statement was issued before Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is to lead the South African delegation to co-chair the 12th meeting of the South Africa-Iran Joint Commission, scheduled for May 10-11 in Tehran.

The Joint Commission remains one of South Africa's longest- serving and most successful structured bilateral mechanisms, said Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The upcoming session will afford the two countries the opportunity to engage in deliberations related to geopolitical and peace and security developments in their respective regions, to review the status of bilateral relations and to assess the potential for enhanced cooperation, Monyela said.

South Africa and Iran enjoy cooperation across varied fields, including arts and culture, agriculture, education and health, and the potential for the expansion thereof remains positive, he said.

South Africa reportedly wants to resume oil imports from Iran, once its biggest supplier, and hopes to resolve "sanction issues" that have blocked purchases.

South Africa was Iran oil's biggest customer in Africa prior to 2012, buying around 68,000 barrels of oil per day from Iran in May 2012, a month before it halted crude purchases as Western countries pressured Tehran over its nuclear programme.

South Africa reportedly is interested in oil products, natural gas as well as joint ventures to develop Iranian oil projects. Endi