'No Restriction on Expansion of Iran- South Africa Ties '
(FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who is on a bi-nation tour of Africa, voiced Iran's willingness to expand relations with African states.
Speaking at a meeting with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mahabane, Abdollahian underscored that the Islamic Republic of Iran sees "no restriction on the development of relations with Pretoria in any field".
He further described mutual cooperation on Tourism and easier reciprocal visits by Iranian and South African tourists as an opportunity for the expansion of the two states' ties.
Abdollahian also voiced Tehran's preparedness to host the 11th meeting of the two countries' joint economic committee.
Also at the meeting, Mashabane stressed that the two countries enjoy ample capacity for improving their bilateral ties.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration has striven hard to maximize relations with the African continent.
Iran is also an observing member of the AU and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings.
The country is considered as one of the AU's strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.