Deputy President Ramaphosa announces high-level diplomatic and trade visit to Iran 07 – 09 November 2015

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today Thursday 5 October 2015 announced in the National Assembly in parliament in Cape Town that he will be leading high-level South African diplomatic and trade delegation on an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 07- 09 November 2015.

The visit to Iran by Deputy President Ramaphosa is aimed at consolidating strategic bilateral political and economic relations. During the visit   the South African delegation will explore opportunities for foreign direct investment, create trading opportunities for South African investors while identifying skills development and training opportunities for South Africans in various Iranian sectors.

Deputy President Ramaphosa who is expected to depart for Iran on Friday 6 November 2015 will be supported in this diplomatic and trade visit by Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, Deputy Ministers Nomaindia Mfeketo, Bheki Cele, Thokozile Xasa, Mcebisi Jonas and will include representatives of Eskom, Mintek, Council for Geo-science, Financial Intelligence Centre, SARS and a sizeable business delegation.

At a bilateral political level Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to pay a courtesy call on Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani, Speaker of parliament Dr. Ali Larinjani and hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri to strengthen bilateral political relations, consolidate regional co-operation on strategic regional security and stability in Africa and the Middle East  while enhancing bilateral co-operation on reform of global political and economic governance including reform of the UN Security Council.

During the visit and in the interest of advancing trade and economic relations, Deputy President Ramaphosa will inaugurate the South Africa-Iran Business Council. During the 12th Joint Commission held in May this year, the two countries agreed to elevate and consolidate trade, investment and economic relations and concluded action plans in the finance, trade, agriculture and energy sectors. In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also meet with Iranian Minister of Finance and Economy Dr Tayyebnia and Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines Mr Nematzadeh.

The re-establishment of bilateral relations in 1994 brought about an increase in trade relations between the two countries.  However, there has been a decline in trade affected by sanctions, resulting in reduction in South African exports to Iran reducing from R1, 27 billion in 2008 to R270 million in 2014. 

Similarly the South African delegation will utilise the opportunity created by the official visit to implement mechanisms for the –re-establishment of trade in agro-processed horticulture and aquaculture products and to exchange skills and technology within the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Deputy President Ramaphosa’s delegation will also explore opportunities for the co-operation in the energy sector with a view of attracting investment into South African refinery and shipping capacity and for an exchange of technology and skills in the energy sectors.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) are expected to be finalised during the official visit in agriculture; finance, trade and industry, mineral resources and in science and technology. In addition the delegation will also explore collaboration between tertiary institutions, secure cooperation on skills development, identify opportunities in aquaculture and agriculture technology exchanges, scholarships in the medical field and Masters programmes.

Deputy President Ramaphosa and his delegation is expected to return to South Africa on 11 November 2015

Enquiries:  Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 and Clayson Monyela (Dirco) on 082 884 5974

Issued by: The Presidency

Cape Town