The Fourth Session of the Joint Bilateral Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be held in Teheran on 10 and 11 April 1999. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Alfred Nzo, will lead a high-level delegation from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry and the Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation of Africa to Iran to hold discussions with the Iranian Government about political and trade issues affecting the relationship between South Africa and Iran and the role and possible interaction of the South African and Iranian Governments in multilateral matters.
Minister Nzo is expected to meet with the Iranian President, Dr Mohammad Khatami, the First Vice President, Dr Hassan Habibi, and other senior Iranian Government officials. Apart from political and trade-related issues, it is envisaged that the Joint Commission will reflect on cooperation in the fields of agriculture, housing, science, culture, education, tourism, mining, transport and health. An Agreement on Merchant Shipping and Related Maritime Matters will be signed by the two Governments during the Joint Commission.
On his return from Teheran Minister Nzo will visit Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where he will officially open the new Chancery Building of the South African Embassy in that city. The Minister will use this visit to further strengthen the excellent relations between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
07 APRIL 1999