South African leader says Pretoria fully backs Iran's inclusion in BRICS

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
International Relations, signed a memorandum of understanding at the end of the expert panel deliberations of the Joint Economic Cooperation
report on the deliberations during the 15th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of
South Africa in Pretoria, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.Amir Abdollahian met with Pandor during his initial round of
negotiations with the top South African diplomat in Pretoria on Thursday afternoon.Amir Abdollahian highlighted South Africa's significant
role in the African continent and Iran's strategic position in West Asia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive political and economic
cooperation between the two countries to enhance intercontinental and global interactions.The Iranian foreign minister outlined Tehran's
stance on regional and international matters, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in Sudan, Yemen, and
Palestine
He expressed satisfaction with the alignment of views between Tehran and Pretoria on these issues and called for increased cooperation and
exchange of opinions on global matters.Amir Abdollahian refuted Western accusations regarding Iran's alleged sale of arms to Russia in its
war against Ukraine, stating that Iran had not received any documents proving such a claim in a meeting between Iranian and Ukrainian
military delegations in Muscat.He proceeded to discuss the security and political circumstances in Afghanistan, expressing concern about the
oppression of women in the country and the significant influx of Afghan refugees into Iran.Amir Abdollahian attributed the current
challenges of drug trafficking, insecurity, and the influx of refugees to Iran to the two decades of the United States occupation of
Afghanistan.The foreign minister also regarded the growing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia as an accomplishment of the Raisi
administration's neighboring policy
He expressed contentment with the agreements concerning the cessation of the war in Yemen and emphasized Tehran's support for talks
between Yemeni factions.Regarding Palestine, Amir Abdollahian expressed satisfaction with South Africa's government stance and considered
the Supreme Leader's proposal for resolving the Palestinian issue through a referendum among all Palestinians as the only legitimate
solution to the Palestinian crisis.He also elaborated on Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, highlighting the
importance of the agency's focus on technical activities and avoiding politicking.In the end, Amir Abdollahian pointed to Iran's
strategic and geopolitical capabilities in cooperation with BRICS, while emphasizing Tehran's interest in joining the economic alliance
Africa as a valuable opportunity to strengthen economic and political ties between Tehran and Pretoria.Regarding South Africa's
perspective, Pandor addressed the current political and security situation in African countries
towards territorial integrity and the world body's disregard for the Palestinian people's choices.Pandor emphasized the significance of
the Pretoria-Tehran relationship and reiterated South Africa's backing for Iran's inclusion in BRICS.The Iranian foreign minister also
met with President Matamela Cyril of South Africa on Thursday afternoon.He expressed satisfaction with the strong and expanding relations
between the two countries and the successful outcome of the 15th meeting of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission
He emphasized the importance of the constructive agreements reached across different sectors and the preparation of multiple cooperation
documents.Amir Abdollahian also announced Iran's acceptance of the invitation to participate in the BRICS summit
President Raisi of Iran will attend the meeting.He highlighted Iran's vital role in West Asia and South Africa's influence in the
African continent, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between Tehran and Pretoria in various fields given their capacities
The top Iranian diplomat warmly welcomed the development of cooperation between the two nations.President Ramaphosa, in turn, conveyed his
greetings to President Raisi and expressed satisfaction with his acceptance of the invitation to attend the BRICS summit and his upcoming
official visit to South Africa in the fall
Africa's keen interest in Iran's participation in the event.Ramaphosa noted that the BRICS summit holds significant global attention and
South Africa fully supports Iran's inclusion as a friendly nation.He stated, "We are pleased with the agreements reached at the joint
commission meeting and we are ready to implement them."Ramaphosa expressed hope that during the upcoming official visit of the Iranian
president, several cooperation documents would be signed, leading to the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements across