Diplomatic Inside
Iranian Ambassador to South Africa, Mansour Shakib Mehr, marked the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran with a speech at a National Day reception held at the The Capital Hotel in Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on 11 February. The event, attended by diplomats, government officials, and members of the international community, highlighted Iran’s achievements, its strategic partnership with South Africa, and its stance on global issues.
The ambassador began his speech by calling for a moment of silence in memory of the late Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and the martyrs of Gaza, honoring their sacrifices.
Shakib Mehr underscored Iran’s struggle against imperialism, dictatorship, and oppression, comparing the 1979 Islamic Revolution to South Africa’s 1994 democratic transition. He emphasized Iran’s resilience in the face of decades-long sanctions, highlighting advancements in science, technology, defense, medicine, nanotechnology, nuclear energy, and space research.
“Iran is now recognized as an independent, powerful, and influential country in the region and on the international stage,” the ambassador stated, stressing that the country has maintained its sovereignty despite external pressures.
Marking 30 years of diplomatic ties between Iran and South Africa, Shakib Mehr praised the success of bilateral cooperation, highlighting that over 80 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements have been signed across various sectors, strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties. He announced plans for further expansion of relations in 2025, including high-level meetings in Pretoria and Tehran, as well as the 16th Joint Commission to be held in Iran.
He also hailed Iran’s recent membership in BRICS as a significant development, strengthening its economic and political standing in the Global South.
A significant portion of the speech focused on Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, with the ambassador condemning what he termed “unlimited Western-backed aggression” over the past 16 months. He accused Israel of committing war crimes, particularly against women and children, and criticized the silence of the United Nations Security Council and other international organizations.
The ambassador concluded his address by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to deepening ties with South Africa, calling for continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
“Long live Iran, long live South Africa, and long live the friendship between our two nations,” he declared, emphasizing the shared values and solidarity between the two countries.
South African Leaders Attend Iran’s National Day Ceremony in Pretoria
Former Deputy President of South Africa, Baleka Mbete, and the Treasurer General of the African National Congress (ANC), Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, joined diplomats and government officials at the ceremony in Pretoria to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The National Day Ceremony of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held at The Capital Hotel, started with a traditional Iranian musical performance, marking more than four decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Writing on Social Media about the event, Ramokgopa emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “Tonight we joined the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pretoria for the Ceremony of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution.”
Nelia Barnard, Acting Chief of the Persian Gulf States at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the South African government. She extended best wishes to Iran, highlighting the deep-rooted diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Reflecting on three decades of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, Barnard emphasized the shared commitment to fostering cooperation in various fields, including science, technology, agriculture, tourism, and trade. She recalled the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations celebrated last year, praising Iran’s cultural contributions and South Africa’s appreciation for continued collaboration.
The event also acknowledged Iran’s recent accession to the BRICS economic bloc, a move expected to enhance economic engagements between Iran, South Africa, and other member states. Barnard reaffirmed South Africa’s support for global peace and development, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally, the ceremony underscored both nations’ solidarity with Palestine, with officials reiterating their commitment to advocating for Palestinian self-determination and human rights.
As the evening concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the future of Iran-South Africa relations, underscoring the potential for expanded partnerships across multiple sectors.
