Iran Eager To Fight Nuclear Apartheid: Iran Diplomat

Pretoria, Sept 9, IRNA – Visiting Deputy Foreign Minister for Afro-Arab Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tuesday that Iran insists on its legitimate nuclear rights to fight nuclear Apartheid. He made the remarks in a meeting here with South African Deputy Minister for Energy Ms Thembisile Majola. Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Pretoria on Monday to attend Iran-South Africa Joint Political Committee meeting. He also met with South African Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture Joyce Mabudafhasi. In his meeting with Majola, the two discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in energy sector. Referring to Tehran's latest achievements in the field of energy, Amir-Abdollahian said following Iran's recent nuclear deal with Group 5+1, foreign companies have become more interested in Iran's energy sector. The Iranian official expressed hope that Tehran and Pretoria would have further energy cooperation after removal of West's unfair pressures on Iran. Criticizing the big powers for imposing their excessive demands on developing countries, Amir-Abdollahian said developing nations can force them to change their approach by resisting against those demands. Meanwhile, in his meeting with Mabudafhasi, the Iranian official stressed the need for closer relations between the two nations. Referring to efforts made against Apartheid in South Africa by former South African president the late Nelson Mandela, he said Tehran gives priority to its relations with Pretoria. He proposed formation of a cultural working group by Iran and South Africa to identify further potentials for cultural cooperation particularly in the fields of tourism, women and media including radio and television./end