Amir-Abdollahian and South African counterpart agree to expand ties

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Jun 2023 13:50

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during a meeting in Cape Town with his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor, says Iran looks forward to join the BRICS and engage with the SCO as the world is changing.

Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a bilateral meeting with International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr. Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the #BRICS Meeting of Ministers. (BRICS)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of emerging economies can have a significant impact on the formation of a new global order, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor during a meeting in Cape Town.

As the world is changing, Iran prepared to join the SCO, which was founded in 2001 by a number of Asian countries, earlier in March 2022 when the formal process for Tehran's accession to the organization was started.

As for the BRICS, Amir-Abdollahian voiced his hope that soon, BRICS member states would be able to work out mechanisms for the membership of Iran and other interested countries.

The Iranian top diplomat also underlined that preparations were being made to convene a session of the Iran-South Africa Joint Economic Commission in Pretoria. In that regard, Amir-Abdollahian also underscored the need to implement previously signed agreements between the two countries. This meant, according to the diplomat, that the sub-committees of the Joint Economic Commission must be activated as early as possible.

Amir-Abdollahian mentioned a few of the capabilities of Iranian engineering and technology firms, and reaffirmed Tehran's readiness to make use of these resources and strengthen its economic connections with South Africa.

Furthermore, Amir-Abdollahian emphasized Iran's significant expertise in aiding neighboring nations in the war on terrorism and expressed his nation's preparedness to undertake expert consultations with pertinent South African authorities in this respect.

To conclude, the Iranian top diplomat also recognized South Africa's support for the Palestinian cause and its oppressed people's fight against "Israel".

In turn, Pandor voiced appreciation for Iran and its presence at the BRICS meeting set for June 2, and stressed that in the upcoming session, the BRICS foreign ministers will discuss membership mechanisms for the accession of interested countries, including Iran, saying results will be set to be delivered by the next summit.

The current #BRICS five now account for 31.5% of global GDP, while the #G7's share has fallen to 30%. The BRICS is expected to contribute over 50% of global #GDP by 2030. pic.twitter.com/CkmkaAj9Ga
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 24, 2023

While Pandor welcomed new countries joining the BRICS Cooperation Bank, the South African top diplomat also urged and supported initiatives to expand economic cooperation between Pretoria and Tehran.

Pointing out to the developments in the southern part of the African continent, Pandor explained that terrorism is considered one of the most threatening factors across the region and welcomed Amir-Abdollahian's suggestion for cooperation.

She also highlighted that Pretoria looks to welcome Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in the near future.

South Africa invites Iranian FM to BRICS summit

Earlier, on May 30th, Amir-Abdollahian received an invitation from South Africa to attend the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled in August, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs said.

Mehdi Safari said the meeting, which will take place in Johannesburg between August 22-24, will be a good opportunity for Iran to hold discussions on its sidelines with other countries to develop cooperation in various fields and sectors.

BRICS members account for 30% of the global gross output and 40% of the global population. The bloc includes the world's major developing countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was also announced, recently, that a handful of medium-sized economies intend to join the bloc: Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.