TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei voiced Iran's readiness to boost all-out bilateral ties with South Africa in political, economic and trade areas, IRNA reported.

Masjed Jamei praised South Africa for its painstaking efforts in setting up the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and said the organization would contribute tremendously to the unity and solidarity among the African countries.

He said the cultural diversity typical to the African nations is not a restriction but a very positive and crucial phenomenon.

He said the cultural diversity could serve as a good ground for the Dialogue Amongst Civilizations pioneered by President Khatami and so contribute to the expansion of ties among states.

Masjed Jamei said developing cultural relations between Iran and South Africa will be effective in boosting the bilateral relations.

Jamei further said that Iran and South Africa have enjoyed cordial relations and friendship through hard times and the two nations are expected to establish closer cultural relations now.

Masjed Jamei called on Iranian and South African artists to focus on the cultural cooperation including cultural week exhibits and film festivals.

He turned to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity and said that it will contribute to the unification in many aspects among the African nations.

Masjed Jamei said countries should get united in defending regional and global interests and so they need to have close cooperation and proceed to exchange of views in cultural, political and economic affairs.

He said that culture is a favorable ground for the onset and expansion of ties among states in all fields.

He hoped that his visit to S. Africa will contribute to broadening cultural ties between the two countries while declaring readiness for expansion of mutual cooperation in various cultural and artistic fields.

Masjed Jamei heading a cultural delegation left Tehran for South Africa on Sunday night.

According to the public relations department of the ministry, the visit is taking place at the official invitation of the South African Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Ben Ngubane.

The two ministers are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on expansion of cooperation between the two states in art and culture.

During the visit, the Iranian minister will confer with a number of political, cultural and academic figures on issues of mutual ties.