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S. Africa wants to resume normal trade with Iran

Xinhua, July 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The South African government looks forward to "resuming normal economic and trade relations" with Iran once economic sanctions on Iran are lifted, an official said on Wednesday, following a deal reached over Iran's nuclear issues.

Six nations -- the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany -- have reached a deal with Iran on limiting the country's nuclear activity in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

"This historic agreement is testament to the success of a negotiated and diplomatic solution, to which South Africa had steadfastly and continuously lent its full support," Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mait Nkoana-Mashabane, told a press briefing in Pretoria.

The official hinted that South Africa would resume oil imports from Iran, once its biggest supplier, after sanctions on Iran lifted.

"South Africa welcomes the lifting of unilaterally imposed sanctions on Iran and further reiterates support for Iran's inalienable right to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," she added.

South Africa was the biggest buyer in Africa of Iran's oil. The purchase was in 2012 halted as Western countries pressured Teheran over its nuclear program. Endi