CAPE TOWN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed Minister of Foreign Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on Thursday recommitted her country to the principles of multilateralism.
"South Africa is an active member of the community of nations, and we are committed to multilateralism as enshrined in the United Nations Charter," the minister said at a press briefing in Parliament before delivering her department's 2019/2020 budget.
South Africa must work for a world that is just and equitable, Pandor said.
Serving as a non-permanent member state of the UN Security Council for the period 2019-2020, South Africa's tenure in the Security Council is dedicated to the legacy of late President Nelson Mandela, who was known for his commitment to peace, Pandor said.
South Africa's term will also be an opportunity for the country to advocate for support for the African Union's goal of "silencing the guns" on the continent by 2020, said Pandor.
She reiterated the centrality of the African continent to her country's foreign policy which focuses on improving the living conditions of South Africans and contributing to the well-being of their fellow Africans as well as all those who are yearning for peace, human security and prosperity in the world.
"It is in our interest that Africa is peaceful, politically united and economically successful," the minister said.
South Africa's foreign policy is, and has always been based on its vision of championing an African continent which is prosperous, peaceful and democratic, she added.
Pandor said this foreign policy will help turn South Africa into a country that is non-racial, non-sexist and united.
The minister also confirmed South Africa's solidarity with countries enduring hardship.
"The people of Palestine, the people of Western Sahara and the people of Cuba have become accustomed to our statements of solidarity with them, as they face difficulties which must be resolved peacefully and through diplomatic means," Pandor said.
