Ramaphosa congratulates Iran’s new president, Pezeshkian

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his congratulations to Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

He was declared the winner of the country’s run-off election last week, after securing 53.7% of the vote.

Pezeshkian's name was confirmed on the ballot four weeks ago, following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa will continue working with Iran to deepen bilateral and multilateral levels to promote peace, security and stability.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, “President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for South Africa and Iran to continue collaborating closely in promoting the agenda of the Global South through shared membership in groupings such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa], the Indian Ocean Rim Association, as well as other formations.”