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S. African deputy president begins Iran mission aimed at enhancing cooperation

Xinhua, November 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday began a mission to Iran with the aim of consolidating strategic bilateral political and economic relations.

During the three-day visit, Ramaphosa and his Iranian counterpart Es'hag Jahangiri will inaugurate and co-chair the South Africa-Iran Business Council, intended to further reinforce the existing trade and investment opportunities in finance, agriculture and energy, Ramaphosa's spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said.

He did not say whether Rmaphosa would discuss the possibility of resuming oil imports from Iran after a suspension for more than three years, but it is widely expected that the issue would be high on the agenda.

Under pressure from Western countries, South Africa halted imports of Iranian oil as of June 2012 as a result of sanctions over Iran's nuclear program. Iran had been South Africa's largest supplier of crude oil with 380,000 barrels per day.

In September this year, Iran signed a preliminary document with South Africa to resume its oil exports.

Ramaphosa told Parliament earlier this week that his delegation will explore opportunities for the cooperation in the energy sector with a view of attracting investment into South African refinery and shipping capacity and for an exchange of technology and skills in the energy sectors. Enditem