IRNA � Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif late on Saturday started his African tour which will take him first to Pretoria in South Africa and later to Uganda and Niger.


Zarif�s visit to Pretoria at the head of a high-ranking political and economic delegation takes place at the invitation of his South African counterpart.

He is scheduled to talk with South African president, foreign minister and finance minister, in addition to taking part in the 13th Meeting of Iran-South Africa Joint Commission.

The 13th Meeting of Iran-South Africa Joint Commission will be co-chaired by Zarif and his South African counterpart will discuss implementation of agreements signed between the two countries earlier.

A delegation of tradesmen and directors of private and state-run sectors will convene commercial assembly involving their counterparts to discuss investment and commercial issues.

After Pretoria, Zarif will leave for Uganda to confer with the country�s president and foreign minister on bilateral issues, promotion of economic and political relations.

The last leg of Zarif�s African tour will take him to Niger to hold talks with the country�s officials.

His accompanying delegation will convene joint economic meetings in the country.

Zarif�s African tour indicates Iran�s endeavors to promote non-oil exports.