South Africa welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran

South Africa welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, declaring the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, as well as the undertaking not to initiate any war or any military operation and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other.

South Arica urges all regional actors to respect the de-escalation of military conflict and work towards the full implementation of the MoU and the conclusion of a final agreement.

Welcoming the MoU, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, said: "The agreement between the United States and Iran hopefully ends the unlawful use of force and violations of the UN Charter in this war. South Africa has consistently called for international disputes to be settled by negotiation - not war. All countries particularly developing countries have felt the economic repercussions of this war. This MoU thus provides the framework for durable peace and regional stability in the Middle East as it reaffirms the need for peace and the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States."

Consistent with South Africa's view, the MoU provides an opportunity to address all outstanding areas within the framework of multilateralism, through the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Security Council.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is critical to stabilise the volatility in global oil markets and to alleviate the energy and food security challenges faced by developing countries in order to reverse its adverse impact on growth and recovery trajectories.

Furthermore, the undertaking to terminate all types of sanctions against Iran is also welcomed as it will bring about relief to the Iranian people following decades of hardship.

South Africa extends its appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, together with the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar, including other countries who played a positive role in the process, for their dedicated and steadfast commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement.

We recall the words of our late President Nelson Mandela: "No problem is so deep that it cannot be overcome, given the will of all parties, through discussion and negotiation rather than force and violence."

South Africa encourages all parties engaged in this process to work towards achieving a just and lasting peace, stability and development in the Middle East and beyond.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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