Ebrahim arrives in Iran for working group meeting

Tehran - International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Ebrahim Ebrahim has today arrived in Iran ahead of the fourth meeting of SA-Iran Deputy Ministerial Working Group.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa and Iran are expected to enhance bilateral relations at the two-day meeting, which kicks-off on Monday.

"The meeting comes within the context of South Africa's priority and commitment in enhancing and broadening the scope of the relationship and cooperation with Iran especially in trade and economic matters within the framework of South-South Cooperation," the department said.

While in Iran, Ebrahim will also pay a courtesy call on Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Seyed Shamseddin Hosseini.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Iran were re- established on 10 May 1994 after the first democratic elections.

Ambassador Mohammed Sharif Mahdavi was the first Iranian Ambassador to South Africa after the resumption of diplomatic relations. In turn, Ambassador Moosa Moolla was the first South African Head of Mission in Tehran after the resumption of ties.

In 1995, South Africa and Iran established a Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) to allow for a high-level review of bilateral relations and to consider ways in which these relations could be expanded further. - BuaNews

Zuma to meet with station commissioners

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will on Tuesday meet with the South African Police Services station commissioners to discuss strategies that will help combat crime.

According to the Presidency, more than 1 000 station commissioners will meet President Zuma in Pretoria to discuss how to take forward the fight against crime.

"The fight against crime is one of the five key priorities of government.

"In this meeting, a first of its kind, the President will share his vision with the station commissioners, and obtain from them, a first hand account of work from the coalface," the Presidency stated.

The meeting forms part of President's Zuma intention to meet with public servants, who are in the forefront of service delivery, to ensure that they understand government objectives from the highest office.

President Zuma will be accompanied by the Ministers of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, Justice and Constitutional Development Jeff Radebe, Correctional Services Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Social Development Edna Molewa as well as National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele.

The meeting will also be attended by the nine provincial premiers as well as MECs responsible for Community Safety portfolio. - BuaNews