TEHRAN – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Aaraqchi held separate talks on Thursday with South African Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete and International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule in Cape Town on Thursday.

Conveying warm greetings of Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Araqchi explained to Mbete the latest situation surrounding the JCPOA (the official name for the nuclear deal) and the EU countries’ financial mechanism for trade with Iran.

Mbete, for her part, underlined significance of bilateral relations and highlighted South Africa’s readiness to promote economic cooperation with Iran.

During Araqchi and Mhaule’s meeting, the South African official said despite constraints, her country will remain committed to continue to support Iran in face of U.S. sanctions.

“…today’s meeting will add further momentum to our bilateral relations, such that South Africa and Iran will weather the storm together,” she said, according to The South African.

SP/PA