Tehran, April 24, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani stressed importance of strengthening relations between Tehran and Pretoria.

Rouhani made the remarks during a joint press briefing with his visiting South African counterpart Jacob Zuma.

Describing South Africa as an important country, Rouhani said the two should strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Referring to Iran as an important country in critical Middle East region, Rouhani said the Iranian people stood by their South African brothers and sisters during Apartheid in South Africa.