Deputy FM: Iran Supports Establishment of Democracy in World

(FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian underlined that Iran supports democratic trends in the world, specially in Africa.

"Supporting democratic trends in the world, including Africa, is a principle in Iran's foriegn policy" Amir Abdollahian said, addressing a ceremony held to mark the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of Iran-South Africa Relations in Tehran on Monday.

He reminded that Iran discontinued its relations with the Apartheid regime of South Africa and then resumed its ties with the new South African government under the leadership of Nelson Mandela right after the collapse of the Apartheid regime in 1993 due to the very same foreign policy principle.

Amir Abdollahian pointed to the ongoing visit of South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to Tehran, and said, " Mrs. Mashabane's visit to Tehran marks a new beginning for the further expansion of the cordial relations between the two countries through a proper utilization of the existing capacities and potentials."

He referred to the two countries' capacities for the expansion of mutual cooperation, and said, "We believe that Iran and South Africa can become key, strategic allies in South-South relations."

The South African foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning to hold talks with high-ranking Iranian officials on expansion of mutual relations as well as regional and global developments.

Iran 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.