Iran, South Africa sign multiple MoUs to boost economic ties

Iran and South Africa inked eight memorandum of understanding (MoUs) here on Sunday to enhance economic relations.

The documents were signed in the presence of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his South African counterpart President Jacob Zuma in Iranian capital of Tehran.

According to the agreements, Tehran and Pretoria will strengthen cooperation in the fields of banking, trade and industry, energy, agriculture, management of water resources, and customs.

The two countries also stressed the importance of strengthening relations in different sectors including mines, technical and engineering services and transportation, according to Press TV.

South Africa can bridge Iran to the African continent given its geographical position, and Iranian ports can also serve as a link to connect Africa to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia and East Europe, Rouhani said in the signing ceremony.

He also said that the two countries discussed possible cooperation of their intelligence services and also political cooperation to fight terrorism, according to the report.

Heading a high-ranking eco-political delegation, the South African president arrived in Tehran on Sunday at the invitation of Rouhani.

On Sunday meeting, both presidents exchanged views on the latest regional issues including developments in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, Rouhani said, adding that both sides believe that political dialog would ultimately settle the conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

The two countries urge support for the Iraqi government in its fight against terrorism in a bid to improve stability and peace in the Arab state, he added.