Meeting Between South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Iran’s President

30 July 2024 11:18 AM

WANA (July 30 ) – Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian met with Ronald Ozzy Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who visited Iran to attend the inauguration ceremony of the 14th presidential term. Pezeshkian conveyed his gratitude for the congratulatory message from South Africa’s President on his election and the condolences following the martyrdom of Dr. Raeisi. He appreciated South Africa’s supportive political stance, particularly its efforts in facilitating Iran’s membership in BRICS.

Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of strengthening Iran-South Africa relations both bilaterally and in international cooperation frameworks such as BRICS. He expressed hope for the enhancement of economic relations and trade cooperation between the two countries, considering their diverse capacities.

Pezeshkian also thanked South Africa for its constructive positions in defending the oppressed Palestinian people. He criticized the apartheid Zionist regime for its atrocities against the Palestinians in Gaza, noting that so-called human rights advocates have not only remained silent but also provided arms and justification for the regime’s actions, exacerbating the crimes.

Ronald Ozzy Lamola reiterated the congratulatory message from South Africa’s President to Dr. Pezeshkian and expressed his country’s interest in expanding bilateral and international relations with Iran, including within the BRICS framework. He highlighted the 30-year history of diplomatic relations between Iran and South Africa and expressed hope for increased cooperation in economic, trade, and private sector partnerships.

Lamola also mentioned that South Africa has faced various pressures and threats for supporting the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people, especially for filing a complaint against the Zionist regime in international courts. Despite these pressures, South Africa remains committed to its principled stance on Palestine and continues to work with countries like Iran to uphold Palestinian rights, establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region.