It was a privilege to engage with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, and H.E. Mansour Shakib Mehr, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to South Africa, at a special reception in Cape Town hosted by the Iranian Embassy.
Our discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between South Africa and Iran, deepening people-to-people ties, and promoting cooperation in pursuit of peace, justice, and mutual development.
In light of recent global developments, we reflected on the importance of principled engagement, regional stability, unity, and multilateral cooperation. The role of BRICS in fostering a more balanced and inclusive international order was also highlighted.
We further discussed the importance of sound strategy and preparedness when engaging with states or entities that have a history of failing to uphold agreements. Lasting peace is built not only on dialogue, but also on accountability, consistency, and ensuring that commitments are honoured. Diplomatic engagement must therefore be accompanied by realistic strategies that safeguard peace, stability, and the interests of all people.
The conversation further emphasised the importance of preserving unity, resisting attempts to create division, and advancing a just and lasting resolution to the question of Palestine. Support was expressed for a single democratic state in historic Palestine, where all people can live with equal rights, dignity, security, and justice.
Constructive dialogue, principled diplomacy, and cooperation between nations remain essential in building a more peaceful, equitable, and multipolar world.
