TEHRAN (Tasnim) Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian described Tehrans determination to defend its right to the peaceful use of atomic energy as an effort to counter "nuclear apartheid."Irans insistence on its legitimate rights to peaceful nuclear energy is in line with efforts to counter nuclear apartheid, which is imposed on developing nations, the visiting Amir Abdollahian said during a meeting with South African Deputy Minister for Energy Thembisile Majola in Pretoria on Tuesday.
He also touched upon Irans recent achievements in the nuclear talks with world powers, saying that foreign companies now are seeking to actively participate in the countrys energy sector.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany) are currently in talks to work out a lasting accord aimed at ending the longstanding dispute over Tehrans civilian nuclear activities.
The Iranian official expressed the hope that Tehran and Pretoria would promote bilateral cooperation in the area of energy after the removal of Wests unilateral sanctions agaisnt Iran.
Amir Abdollahian also met with South African Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture Joyce Mabudafhasi.
In the meeting, the Iranian official stressed the need for closer ties between the two countries.
He also proposed that a joint working group be formed by Iran and South Africa to identify further potentials for cultural cooperation.
Expansion of relations with African countries in all political, economic and cultural fields is top on the agenda of the Iranian foreign policy.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has repeatedly said that his government welcomes boosting relations with the African nations.
By Tasnim News Agency
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
