Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed the good and extensive potentials existing for the further development of economic cooperation between Tehran and Pretoria.

According to FNA, in a joint press conference with his South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Zarif said in Tehran on Sunday that South African President Jacob Zuma is due to visit Tehran in August to mark the start of a new era of cooperation.

He added that "Common concerns and viewpoints in the political field have linked Iran and South Africa as two progressive countries on the international scene and there are extensive economic relations between the two countries."

Zarif said "Our relations with South African people and Iran's support for the South African people's freedom-seeking campaign against the Apartheid since the very first days (after the victory) of the Islamic Revolution have created an age-old bond between the two countries and highly positive ties between the Iranian and South African people and governments."

The Iranian foreign minister also announced that the South African president is due to visit Iran in August, adding that the 12th meeting of the two countries' Joint Economic Commission will be held during President Zuma's visit.

EA