Leader Underlines Closer Ties among Independent States

Imam Khamenei raised the issue at a meeting with visiting South African President Jacob Zuma in Tehran.

“The interests of independent states depends on closer cooperation in different sectors and the obstacles certain powers are raising against such cooperation should be countered,” the Leader said.

As regards Iran’s ties with the African state, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran holds a “positive and constructive view” of South Africa.

The Leader further described the relations between Iran and South Africa are very warm, but at the same time noted that economic and trade ties between the two sides should match their existing capacities.

Also at the meeting, Zuma reiterated the necessity for cooperation between independent nations.

He reminded Pretoria’s stances towards Iran, and said the country had opposed the sanctions the Western governments imposed on Iran.

Zuma said there is now proper ground for cooperation between the two countries, adding that his country will restart economic and trade ties with Iran.

In a ceremony held in Tehran on Sunday, high-ranking officials from Iran and South Africa signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to broaden the relations between the two countries in a range of fields.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his South African counterpart attended the ceremony.