International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has pledged that his department will use economic diplomacy to tackle the underlying challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa.
“I look forward to working with all of you in the seventh administration to make international relations more accessible to every South African. International relations is not abstract, it affects us in our everyday lives,” he said on Monday.
Lamola was speaking during a media briefing where he was updating the public on his programme and topical issues.
He also emphasised the consistent goal of achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world.
“DIRCO’s [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] work is crucial in realising this grand vision every day. We have reassured everyone that there will be continuity in foreign policy, aligned with the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) vision.”
He told journalists that parties in the GNU have agreed to work together to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated in his inauguration speech that the parties have committed to pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity, and peace.
“They will also promote multilateralism for a fairer, more equal, just, and compassionate world.”
In addition, he said the GNU was committed to the well-being and professional growth of the team, encouraging them to take advantage of learning and development opportunities provided by the department.
Other issues
On Israel, he said South Africa “strongly” condemns the attack on a school turned shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza that has killed more than 100 people, including women and children.
This is after the Israeli military claimed its air force on Saturday struck a “command and control centre” that “served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders” at Al-Tabaeen school.
However, the department said they had not provided evidence to qualify the harming of defenceless civilians in its dangerous escalation.
“South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of schools, hospitals, medical infrastructure, and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.”
The Minister said South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical, or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.
Lamola called on the international community to act decisively against this deliberate attempt to derail the ceasefire negotiations and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe due to the ongoing violations of international law.
“South Africa once again calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.”
He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which Angola facilitated.
In addition, he said South Africa was monitoring developments in Venezuela following the recent elections.
Lamola has welcomed that President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the people of Venezuela to self-determination without the interference of external forces. – SAnews.gov.za
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Swan Mustang
Italy: You have two cows. The northern one produces all the milk. The southern one sleeps all day.
White Swan
Satan visits Johannesburg and meets Gatiep.
\”Do you know who i am?\” Satan asks?
\”No I dont\” says Gatiep \”Give me a hint\”.
\”I am the prince of darkness\” says Satan.
\”My F#K\” yells Gatiep \”You\’re the CEO of Eskom then!\”