Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh has commended South Africa for its support of Iran amid what he describes as pressure from Western powers to sideline Tehran.
Khatibzadeh is visiting South Africa and engaging with various stakeholders as diplomatic efforts continue between Iran and the United States to advance a peace agreement.
The discussions follow the release of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the ending of the United States naval blockade.
The United States launched a large-scale bombardment campaign against Iran in late February. However, Iran is reported to retain a substantial stockpile of missiles and other weapons.
Addressing academics and diplomats at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria, Khatibzadeh said South Africa had chosen to stand on what he described as the right side of history.
“We are very much committed to collaboration and cooperation with everybody to bring this awareness into action. And this is why I do appreciate in my personal capacity, in my academic capacity, in my think tank capacity, and in my formal capacity, what the people of South Africa have done. You deserve a great applause. Be proud of yourself, you stood up. Be proud of yourself that you sided with the right side of history.”
VIDEO | Iran is committed to peace: Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh
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