“South Africa is one of the important countries in the African continent, one of the key players of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and an active and influential country on the international stage,” Zarif said in the South African capital of Pretoria on Wednesday night.

He said that Iran welcomed the further enhancement of the ties with the African country, expressing hope that both countries’ private and state sectors would help boost mutual economic, trade and technical ties.

Zarif also expressed optimism that the 11th meeting of the Iran-South Africa Joint Cooperation Commission would result in closer relations between the two countries, especially closer industrial and trade cooperation between the private sectors of both sides.

Zarif is slated to take part in the commission’s meeting as the head of Iranian delegation.

Iranian and South African experts have held negotiations on three political and social, economic and energy fields since last Tuesday to draft agreements for the foreign ministers meeting.

The Iranian foreign minister and his South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, are scheduled to discuss the draft agreements provided by the expert committees and finalize them on Thursday.

The top Iranian diplomat will also sit down with senior South African officials, including President Jacob Zuma.

NJF/NJF