Ramaphosa to lead delegation on official visit to Iran
South African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa is set to lead a high-level trade delegation on an official visit to Iran, the Presidency said on Thursday.
The visit is scheduled to take place from November 7-9.
Presidency spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the visit was “aimed at consolidating strategic bilateral political and economic relations” between the two countries”.
Pertinent aspects of the visit would include discussions around consolidating “regional co-operation on strategic regional security and stability in Africa and the Middle East”, and looking at the global political and economic landscape, including reform of the UN Security Council.
The delegation would explore investing and trading opportunities for South African investors, focusing on foreign direct investment, while also looking at skills development and training opportunities in various Iranian sectors.
While the two countries re-established their bilateral trade relations in 1994, a subsequent decline in trade due to sanctions saw South African exports to Iran decline from R1,27 billion in 2008 to R270 million in 2014.
During the visit, Ramaphosa is expected to pay a courtesy visit to Iranian president Dr Hassan Rouhani and speaker of parliament, Dr Ali Larinjani. Ramaphosa is also set to engage in bilateral discussions with his counterpart, First Vice President President Es’haq Jahangiri.
The delegation consists of Water Affairs and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, and deputy ministers Nomaindia Mfeketo, Bheki Cele, Thokozile Xasa, Mcebisi Jonas. Representatives of Eskom, Mintek, the Council for Geo-science, the Financial Intelligence Centre, SARS, as well as a sizeable business delegation will also form part of the visit. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)