13 October 2002
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, yesterday - Saturday, 12 October 2002, held political consultations with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Kamal Kharrazi and the Deputy Foreign Foreign Minister, Dr Sadr in Tehran.
The Deputy Minister briefed both principals of the Regional Heads of Mission Conference held in Dubai earlier in the week, the inauguration of the African Union in Durban earlier this year, the World Summit on Sustainable Development hosted by South Africa, NEPAD and developments on the African Continent - viz. the end of the civil war in Angola, the peace process in the DRC and the Great Lakes region, the conflict situation in the Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe.
In addition, the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East as the threat of war against Iraq was discussed.
Both sides expressed disappointment at the level of violence by the Israeli Defence Forces against the Palestinian people and called on the international community to ensure that United Nations Security Council resolutions were accepted, respected and implemented.
It was reiterated by the South Africans that a secure Israeli State would only be possible if the right of Palestinians to self determination was honoured.
NEPAD was hailed as a programme that would ultimately lead to Africa assuming a leadership role in global politics. The Government of Iran has pledged its support to NEPAD and is ready to engage with the South African Government to discuss partnerships.
In this regard, the South African delegation apologized that the NEPAD Secretariat had not been able to visit Iran in September 2002 to engage in discussions as agreed. The Deputy Minister undertook to discuss this with the NEPAD Secretariat and would encourage a visit to Iran soon.
The progress of the South Africa-Iran Joint Binational Commission was also discussed. This is an important forum for the expansion of relations between Iran and South Africa - economically, politically and technically.
The South African delegation would discuss with the Department of Trade and Industry upon return to South Africa the proposed visit to Iran regarding the Joint Trade Commission and the establishment of permanent trade centers in both countries.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry indicated that a core group of people representing both the Iranian public and the private sectors would be established to act as the economic interface with Africa. Iran would also give Africa preferential access to the Iranian market and access to development funds and ODA.
Political cooperation in terms of South-South cooperation was discussed. "It is time the developing world consolidated its relations with actual partnerships so that the South can play a meaningful role in a rapidly globalising world," said Deputy Minister Pahad.
In terms of economic relations, the Deputy Minister said that while trade between the countries was substantial (R9 billion at present), he believed that the economic potential was not being fully exploited by the South African private sector and parastatals. Political relations are very good and there is a commitment to transform these into strong economic relations.
The Iranian Government highlighted the following institutions that would be willing to engage in partnerships with African Governments to support NEPAD and expand our economic relations - Mostazafan and Janbazan Foundation, the International Consultants and Contractors Association of Iran, the Iranian Foreign Investment Company and the Iranian Surplus Fund. The possibility of expanding shipping lines with Africa was also discussed.
The Deputy Minister will travel to Doha, Qatar on the final leg of his visit to the Gulf later today. This visit will be used to consolidate South Africa's relations with Qatar since the first South African Embassy has just been established.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs