MNA� Speaker of the Iranian Parliament said Iran was grateful of positive positions taken by South Africa for restoring rights of Palestinian people.

Ali Larijani made the remarks on Saturday morning in Tehran at a joint press conference with Baleka Mbete, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa.

�The visit has created great opportunities for development of bilateral cooperation as an acceptable figure was stipulated for volume of trade turnover between the two countries,� said Larijani.

Iran�s Parliament speaker, referring to talks with his South African counterpart, noted that �various venues were reviewed for investment in the two sides and ways were sought to achieve the expected ceiling for trade.�

Ali Larijani later stressed that Iran could make investments in South Africa, especially in the field of electricity generation while it would welcome the other side in the Iranian oil, gas and petrochemicals industries.

�The meeting also touched upon development of transport between the two countries, as well as cooperation in the fight against terrorism and exchange of information,� maintained the official.

He later appreciated the stance taken by South Africa on defending rights of the people of Palestine.

Larijani expressed hope that the visit of Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa and his accompanying delegation would pave the way for promotion of trade relations between the two sides.

At the end of his remarks, he pointed out that parliamentary cooperation was also raised in the talks and was debated from various dimensions.

Later at the press conference, South Africa�s Baleka Mbete said parliaments could play a major role in improving ties between nations.

She said South Africa�s National Assembly had an active participation in various parliamentary sessions held across the globe; �we believe in playing a constructive role in our own societies as a way of creating a bright future for the people.�

She said South Africa was familiar with Iran�s achievements in the field of education and expressed hope that Larijani will make a visit to her country by the end of the current year.