Iran, S. Africa urge political, intelligence cooperation in anti-terror fight

President Rouhani and President Zuma held a press conference after signing of cooperation agreements between Tehran and Pretoria and described their negotiations as successful and underlined the two governments’ firm resolve to develop mutual, regional and international ties.

In this press conference that was held on Sunday, Dr Rouhani said: “During the negotiations, the ways of deepening and strengthening relations between the two countries were reviewed”.

He also said that the two delegations stressed using all capacities of Iran and South Africa in the fields of economy, trade, science, technology and regional and international cooperation.

Stressing that boosting banking ties between the two countries can act as a significant step toward cementing ties, he said: “Cementing ties in industrial, mining and energy sectors are very important and also Iranian and South African companies can have technical and engineering activities in the other country”.

On transportation, he said: “Regarding its location, South Africa can be a point of connection between Iran and a big part of Africa and, in return, Iran’s southern ports can connect this country to Central Asia, Caucasus and Eastern Europe”.

Dr Rouhani also underscored more ties between scientific, academic and research centres of both countries.

Referring to tourism, he said that the two countries discussed direct flights between the two countries.

President said: “Regarding combatting terrorism and violence and their threats to the region and the world, without a doubt political and intelligence cooperation between the two countries can be very effective in solving these issues”.

On crises in Yemen, Iraq and Syria, Dr Rouhani said: “We both believe that political negotiations can be solutions for solving the issues of these countries and in doing so, Yemeni-Yemeni negotiations and political solutions and helping the Iraqi government can help restore stability to Yemen, Syria and Iraq”.

We also discussed international cooperation and the future of the UN, as well as the required amendments to the Security Council, said the President.

He also mentioned the measures taken after the Islamic Revolution to support the people of South Africa in their fights against the Apartheid.

Commemorating Nelson Mandela, Dr Rouhani said: “Mandela was respected by the South African and Iranian nations as a figure who was one of the greatest leaders of this country during the South African people’s campaign”.

In this press conference, President Zuma said: “Iran’s Islamic Revolution proved to all that despite all hardships, freedom is possible”.

He added: “We are sure that a solid foundation has been laid for Tehran-Pretoria ties today”.



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