South Africa confirms President Zuma visit to Iran next week

Zuma will visit Iran on February 28-29 to "strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries," the presidency said on Monday.

On Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also said that Zuma is expected in Tehran next week.  

In November 2015, South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa led a high-level government and trade delegation in a three-day visit to Iran to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.

Ramaphosa signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri. The two countries based on the documents agreed to create a center to exchange information to fight money laundering, create joint markets and also expand technical and economic cooperation.

Ramaphosa said at the time that expanding bilateral relations with Iran would benefit both sides.

The South African deputy president also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during his visit to Tehran.  

Zarif said Tehran and Pretoria had excellent relations in the field of politics and raised hope that the two countries could also improve economic and commercial ties.

“We know no limits for enhancement of economic and commercial ties with South Africa,” said the Iranian foreign minister, adding, “In addition to bilateral ties, the two countries have a common stance on international developments, which can, in turn, contribute to mutual cooperation.”

South Africa is planning to build an oil refinery to process Iran’s crude oil in Mossel Bay in order to increase its petrol supply and decrease its dependence on foreign oil companies.