NATIONAL DAY
The 45th Iranian National Day
Insight Africa
14 February 2024
The Iranian Embassy in Pretoria commemorated the 45th Iranian National Day(11 February) on February 12, 2024. During the celebration, HE Mr. Mahdi Agha Jafari, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to South Africa, expressed gratitude to the South African government for their support in securing Iran's BRICS membership.
Ambassador Jafari also took the opportunity to convey Tehran's support and appreciation for what he described as the "courageous and historic action" of South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the alleged Israeli regime's genocide in Gaza.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the opposition political parties representatives including Solly Mapaila, the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of international organizations, academics and business people and many other professionals attended the national day. The event highlighted diplomatic relations, geopolitical matters, and international cooperation between Iran and South Africa. It served as a platform to celebrate national achievements and express solidarity on the global stage.
“In August of last year, the 15th meeting of the South Africa–Iran Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), was held in Pretoria and co-chaired by the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossien Amir-Abdolliahian and South Africa. This commission is one of the most regular and effective joint commission that has been established so far. Also, last October in Tehran, we hosted Dr. Naledi Pandor, the Honorable Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, who delivered President Ramaphosa's official invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to pay a state visit to South Africa, and we are hopeful that this very important event will take place in the near future. Moreover, in the past year, in the field of multilateral relations and cooperations, the membership of the Islamic Republic of Iran in BRICS was finalized with the hosting and valuable support of South Africa and of course the support of all BRICS members.” Ambassador Jafari mentioned that the relations between the two nations have always been dynamic, efficient, and stable, and it has been progressing.
“We would like to honor and congratulate the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Tehran as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As one of the oldest civilizations, The Islamic Republic's contribution to humanity spans many areas of human endeavored excellence, including literature, medicine, engineering, science, and technology. Bilateral relations between our two countries were formalized in 1995, with the establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation. I'd like you to know that it is the first and oldest that we have in the region. This structured bilateral mechanism covers the entire spectrum of sectoral cooperation and continues to expand with the identification of new areas.” The guest of honour, Ambassador Zodwa Lallie, the acting Deputy Director-General, who is responsible for Middle East and Asia Regions summarized the close relationship between the two countries.
Insight Africa - TDS