South Africa in efforts to revive economic ties with Iran: minister

The South African government has been working hard to revive economic ties with Iran after Western sanctions on Iran were lifted last week, an official said Thursday.

"We strongly encourage South African businesses to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that will arise from the lifting of sanctions," Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, told a press briefing in Pretoria.

South Africa, she said, welcomes the announcement that Iran has fulfilled all of its initial commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal, resulting in the lifting of U.S. and European Union nuclear-related sanctions on Iran.

"This achievement is a shining example that proves that negotiation and dialogue is the only way to find sustainable solutions to international conflicts," she said.

South Africa and Iran enjoy a long-standing historical and strategic relationship that is based on mutual respect, the minister said.

South Africa reportedly wants to resume oil imports from Iran. It 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 program.

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