The advent of the Government of National Unity will not alter South Africa’s foreign policy. This is the message from the new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
He was speaking at a symposium organised by the South African Institute of International Affairs.
“Non-alignment” and “universality” would remain central to South Africa’s approach, he pledged.
“South Africa,” he said, “with its unique policy of active non-alignment, is not reactive but proactive in its pursuit of peace. This approach is not about being neutral or abstaining from world affairs, but about leading a unifying agenda through dialogue to achieve peace for developing countries that do not wish to take sides in great power rivalry. As sovereign nations, we seek independent foreign policies aligning with our developmental priorities. This makes non-aligned countries useful mediators in conflicts like that between Russia and Ukraine.”
In an apparent reference to Israel and the Palestinians, he stated: “There can be no peace in any part of the world where people are being oppressed or struggling under the yoke of colonialism and occupation.”
He also called for a stronger African Union and said that Africa remained central to South Africa’s foreign affairs.
Said the Minister: “We will continue to deepen and harness our relations with our partners on the continent. We have established 46 structured bilateral mechanisms, 12 of which are at the presidential level. These mechanisms afford our country the opportunity to exchange views on national, regional and global issues.”
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