Speech of the Minister of Science and Technology  H.E. Ms   Naledi Pandor

On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Monday, 7 February 2010

 

Your Excellency Mr. Asghar Ebrahimi Asl, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to South Africa,

Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, it is honor to extend to the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran our congratulations on the occasion of the thirty-second Anniversary of the commemoration of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The commemoration of a National Day affords a nation the opportunity to reflect on its past achievements, whilst, simultaneously casting its gaze ahead to the future with a sense of hope and determination. It is befitting then, that on this auspicious occasion we take the opportunity to take cognisance of the achievements of the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The annals of history are testament to the pioneering spirit of the Iranian people: resultantly, Iran has distinguished itself in the pursuit of medical, scientific and technological advancement. Under the prudent leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Government of Iran has adopted a laudable agenda for development, through the implementation of a "2025" Vision, which aims to advance Iran in the economic, scientific and technical fields by the year 2025. South Africa further takes cognizance of the important role the Government of Iran assumes in the international arena, with a view to Iran's commitment to the Organization of the Islamic Conference and as Iran prepares to host the 16^th Plenary of the Non Aligned Movement in 2012.

Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,
South Africa and Iran share a proud legacy of historic relations. Preceding South Africa's democratic transition, the Government of Iran expressed solidarity with South African liberation movements in the struggle for the equality and liberty of all South Africans and was a strong proponent of South Africa's reconciliatory processes.

 

To this day, the Republic of Iran remains an important friend and partner to the Republic of South Africa. Bilateral relations between our countries have developed significantly, both politically and economically. Our political relations have been constructed on the solid foundation laid by our political forbears, through numerous high-level exchanges.

 

Bilateral relations were further enhanced through the establishment of a Joint Bilateral Commission in 1995. Chaired at Ministerial level, by the respective Ministers' of International Relations and Cooperation and of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Joint Bilateral Commission has developed to constitute an important review of bilateral relations. Having recorded its tenth session in 2008, the Joint Bilateral Commission is widely acclaimed to be amongst South Africa's most successful and longest-serving bilateral mechanisms. Furthermore, South Africa and Iran boast cooperation in various fields, to this end Agreements have been concluded in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology, health, tourism and culture.

 

Bilateral trade has recorded steady levels of growth and presently amounts to an estimated R20 billion. Iran remains amongst South Africa's principal mineral resource purveyors. South African Multinational Corporations have further entered into lucrative joint venture projects, namely the US$ 900 million Iranian polymer joint venture between Sasol and the State-owned-enterprise, Pars petrochemicals. The South African telecommunications conglomerate, MTN has secured a 49 percent stake in Iran Cell Consortium and has been operational since 2006.

 

Your Excellency, I wish to reaffirm that South Africa, considers the Islamic Republic of Iran an important partner and it is upon this premise on which our bilateral relations are forged. In this regard I wish to assure you of South Africa's diligent pursuit of the strengthening of the political and economic relations between our two countries.

Once again, Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to extend to His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the people of Iran, our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the prosperity and progress of the Iranian people, as we join you in celebration of the 32^M Anniversary of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.