SA, Iran take steps to intensify cooperation

Friday, September 30, 2016

Pretoria – The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nomaindiya Mfeketo, hosted her Iranian counterpart, Dr Jaberi Ansari, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran in Pretoria on Thursday.

The bilateral consultations where in accordance with the mandate of the South Africa-Iran Deputy Ministerial Working Group (DMWG), which provides oversight in monitoring and guiding bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.

Deputy Minister Ansari was accompanied by the Acting Deputy Minister of Oil in Iran, Dr Hashemian, as well as senior officials from other departments and representatives from the Iranian private sector.

The Department of International Relations said the South Africa-Iran Deputy Ministerial Working Group remains an important diplomatic instrument as part of the South Africa - Iran Joint Commission to consolidate and elevate bilateral political, economic and people to people relations between the two countries.

“ … The DMWG reviewed progress regarding the implementation of mutually agreed upon strategies and bilateral programmes of action within targeted sectors of cooperation in, among others, the fields of trade, banking, energy, agriculture, mining, education, health, tourism, defence, infrastructure development, science and technology and manufacturing,” said the department.

The DMWG assessed the status of implementation of current areas of bilateral cooperation; identified strategic areas of future cooperation; identified responsible and specialist entities to monitor progress and secure implementation and isolated challenges and solutions in implementing bilateral projects.

The DMWG also measured the implementation of the outcomes of the State Visit of President Jacob Zuma to Iran in April and progress regarding the implementation of the eight Memoranda of Understanding concluded during the visit.

“In this respect, the DMWG confirmed that solid progress had been recorded,” said the department,

It said follow-up activities will be undertaken in various areas.

A Joint Trade and Industry Working Group will be established to focus on joint expertise transfers and skills development, resources and research capacity, combined market size including competitive advantages in targeted and mutually agreed upon sectors.

In this respect the formalisation and operationalisation of the South Africa–Iran Business Council has been identified as a strategic priority in strengthening bilateral trade and commercial relations.

A Joint Energy Working Group will be created to explore bilateral cooperation within the broader energy sector in support of South Africa’s energy security needs including hydro, solar and wind energy, geo thermal energy, energy efficiency, technology exchanges, skills development, gas infrastructure development as well as cooperation in the petrochemical refining sector.

Regarding science and technology, the parties agreed to intensify cooperation pertaining to skills transfers, innovation and training and technology exchanges between research foundations in identified areas. Science and technology play an important role in the National Development Plans of both countries

A process is underway to establish direct air links to stimulate trade and tourism between South Africa and Iran.

“The MOU in Agriculture concluded between South Africa and Iran provides for the establishment of Technical Teams aimed at strengthening cooperation in the export/import of agricultural products, agro processed goods, fisheries and aquaculture.

“Defence cooperation will be formalised with the conclusion of a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, which is currently under negotiation,” said the department.

South Africa and Iran have maintained a close and significant relationship over many decades.

The department said despite the damage done to particularly trade, economic and investment relations as a result of unilateral international sanctions against the Islamic Republic, the DMWG confirmed the positive momentum and strong nature of the bilateral relationship.

The two countries have agreed to deepen diplomatic, political, trade, economic and investment relations. – SAnews.gov.za