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13 December 2016 - 15:45

Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan on Tuesday discussed issues of mutual interest with the South African President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma expressed pleasure with meeting Iranian defense minister, saying that Iran and South Africa are two important and independent countries.

'We are determined to boost ties with Iran and we will not allow anybody to harm the relations,' he said, calling for assistance to solve problems facing the international community.

The South African president highlighted significance of economic stability, saying that South African government is keen on promoting relations with Iran in this respect and favors pursuing implementation of the agreements previously signed by the two nations.

For his part, Dehqan conveyed warm greetings of President Hassan Rouhani as well as friendship message of the Iranian nation and government, saying that African Continent is of special significance for Iran.

The Iranian minister also recalled Iranian ancient ties with African National Congress in fighting apartheid, saying that the two countries have had friendly ties in the past two decades after eliminating apartheid.

Promoting ties in all fields is among the priorities of the Iran's foreign policies, he said.

Dehqan also appreciated South African positive stance regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program and Zuma's recent visit to Tehran, saying that the trip was a serious impetus in mutual cooperation, especially in the sphere of defense.

He also expressed Iran's interest in joint venture investment by the countries which defended justice and righteousness by principled and fair policymaking.

Dehqan arrived in Pretoria on Tuesday at the head of high-ranking defense-military delegation upon the invitation of South African Defense Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.

News ID 188128