S.Africa To Boost Eco. Ties With Iran: Official

Arak, Jan 31, IRNA – South Africa is ready to expand economic ties with Iran, South African Ambassador to Iran Ibrahim Mohammad Saley said here Monday. Saley made the remarks in a meeting with some Iranian businessman and craftsman in the country's Markazi Province. Saley underlined the facilitation of visa issuance for Iranian merchants, adding that South Africa is the gate of Africa continent. There are good marine potentials for the exchange of goods between the two countries and also good potentials in case of attracting investment for joint cooperation in production of goods. Arak Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines Mohammad-Reza Ja'fari for his part said that Iran's Markazi Province has good capacities for development of economic ties with foreign countries, including South Africa. Iran and South Africa relations are both economically and politically quite warm and have continued to expand. South Africa and Iran share good trade relations. Iran is one of the largest suppliers of crude oil to South Africa. Several South African companies are involved in major projects in Iran./end