Liberal Democracies and the Rise of the South, Speech delivered at the Oxford Society by Mr Ronald O Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Monday, 27 January 2025 Thank you very much for this auspicious invitation to address the world-renowned and deservedly esteemed Oxford Society. I also appreciate your request to speak on a highly relevant topic in global affairs: Liberal
Mr President, South Africa wishes to thank you and the members of the United Nations Security Council for convening this meeting to consider as a matter of urgency the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We thank USG Jean Pierre Lacroix, SRSG Binto Keita and ASG Joyce Msuya for their briefing. I also wish to acknowledge the presence
Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, Chairperson of Exxaro, Mr Geoffrey Qhena, Chairperson of Brand South Africa, Ms Ipeleng Selele, Esteemed guests, Friends, Good evening. It is an immense honour to welcome you to South Africa Night, a celebration of our nation’s vibrant culture and enduring spirit. This is a momentous year for South Africa. We are the first African country to assume the Presidency
Chairperson of the World Economic Forum, Prof. Klaus Schwab, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, We would like to thank the World Economic Forum and especially Professor Klaus Schwab for giving South Africa this opportunity to outline our objectives and priorities for the G20 Summit that will be held in Johannesburg in November 2025. South Africa’s G20 Presidency follows on the heels of Brazil’s very successful
Programme Director, Mr Eric LeCompte, His Eminence, Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, His Eminence, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Fellow Panellists from Caritas International, Good afternoon from South Africa. It is a very special honour for me to address you at this Press Conference, which is to launch campaigns on debt relief in 160 countries as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee 2025, or Holy Year. My address today
Today, Ministerial delegations from South Africa and Mozambique held a joint Inter-Ministerial Meeting. This important meeting between friendly and fraternal neighbouring countries is reflective of the very good levels of bilateral cooperation between our two countries. The meeting was held in a very constructive, and cordial manner, illustrating the great spirit of collaboration between South Africa and Mozambique. The meeting exchanged views and agreed on
Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Members of the Media, Good morning. Your Excellency President Lourenço, It has been a pleasure to receive you on your first State Visit to South Africa. We have congratulated President Lourenço on his re-election. This has been a year of major elections across the continent, including in Angola and South Africa. We
Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellency, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. We thank you for honouring our invitation and making your first State visit to our country. Allow me to begin by congratulating you on your re-election following the August elections in Angola.
Programme Directors, Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Angola, Mr Rui de Oliveira, Ministers from Angola and South Africa, Ambassadors, Leaders of business from Angola and South Africa, Representatives of business and trade organisations, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is
Honourable Minister and ladies and gentlemen of the media, It is wonderful to be back in South Africa. I thank President Ramaphosa and Minister Lamola for receiving me today. As we speak, we are witnessing the reshaping of the Middle East, with the changes in the correlation of forces among the key regional actors, with the immense tragedy of the Palestinian people whose right for
Secretary General, it’s a great pleasure to welcome you to South Africa once more. You are not a stranger to our beautiful country and its people. And I can say with pride that you are most welcome here; you will always be welcomed with open arms. This is where we remain rooted in the spirit of ubuntu despite our challenges and difficulties. In our language,
Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ministers, Ambassadors, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, We have just concluded a successful 7th session of the Bi-National Commission between the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Republic of South Africa. President Tebboune and I were extremely satisfied with the detailed report that was presented on progress in the key
Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ministers, Ambassadors, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, We have just concluded a successful Seventh Session of the Bi-National Commission between the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Republic of South Africa. President Tebboune and I were extremely satisfied with the detailed report that was presented on progress in the key
Your Excellency, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Officials, This Seventh Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries has been most productive. It has set our partnership on a promising trajectory. Our task now is to ensure the effective implementation of the key decisions we have made here. It is important that Ministerial Review sessions take place between our BNC sessions. South Africa
Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Senior Officials, Members of the Media, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to address this Seventh Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. South Africa commends Algeria for holding successful Presidential elections on 7 September 2024. We congratulate you on
Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Senate, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Ambassadors, Honourable Brahim Boughali, President of the Algerian People’s National Assembly, Honourable Members, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening, It is an honour to be here in the Parliament of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. My delegation and I have been received with great warmth and
Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, Members of the media, Colleagues, Fellow South Africans, Two days ago, on the 1st of December 2024, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 group of countries. The G20 comprises many of the world’s largest developing and developed economies. It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial
Your Excellency, President Tinubu, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioners, Senior Government Officials, I wish to thank you, Your Excellency, for your warm and positive concluding remarks. They reinforce the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between our countries. The ministerial report we have received and deliberated on highlights the various priorities we should pursue as partners and allies. Our ministers and senior officials have done excellent
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioner, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you and your esteemed delegation to our country. As we gather here on the occasion of the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our countries, we reaffirm our close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation. We are two countries
His Excellency, the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Trade and Industry of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Leaders of business, Distinguished guests, It gives me great pleasure to address this South Africa-Nigeria Business Roundtable. We see
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Programme Director, Our host, the Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Park, Dr Jane Mufamadi, Former Chairperson of the AU, Your Excellency, Ambassador of The State of Palestine Hanan Jarrar, Your Excellency, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Salih Omar Abdu, Your Excellency, Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors, Ambassador Mubarak Mahash Saeed Alhameli, Mr Nelson Muffue, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Members
Your Excellency, President Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Heads of State and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour to accept, on behalf of the people of South Africa, the responsibility of the Presidency of the G20 for the next year. I congratulate President Lula da Silva and
His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Heads of State and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for ensuring that the reform of the global governance institutions takes centre stage during this G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The reform of these institutions is more urgent now than ever
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Working Session I: Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Poverty and Hunger, G20 Leaders’ Summit, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 18 November 2024 His Excellency, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Heads of State and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries, His Excellency, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa fully supports
Opening Remarks by Minister Ronald Lamola, during the Bilateral Meeting with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development of the United Kingdom (UK), Rt. Hon David Lammy, in Cape Town, South Africa, on 5 November 2024 Foreign Secretary Lammy, Lord Collins of Highbury, High Commissioner Philipson, Director-General Dangor, Senior Officials from the British and South African Delegations, Your Excellency, I am pleased to
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the BRICS Summit Outreach and BRICS Plus, on the occasion of the XVI BRICS Heads of State Summit in Kazan, Russia, 24 October 2024 Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations, Your Excellencies, Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the BRICS Summit Open Plenary Session, on the occasion of the XVI BRICS Heads of State Summit, Kazan, Russia, 23 October 2024 Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, Excellencies, fellow BRICS Leaders, Honourable Ministers, Ladies and gentlemen, Let me thank our Chair, President Putin, for hosting us in Kazan for the XVI
Opening Remarks by Minister Lamola for the Meeting of the South Africa-Namibia Diplomatic, Political and Legal Committee, Swakopmund, 14 to 15 October 2024 My Dear Brother and Colleague, Minister Dr Peya Mushelenga, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here today, Our High Commissioners, Senior Officials and Experts from both Countries, Excellency and Dear Brother Minister Mushelenga, thank you for the gracious welcome you have extended to
Address by Minister Ronald Lamola, during the Thucydides Trap – Challenges and Opportunities for Africa, held at the MISTRA Head Office on 11 October 2024 Mr Joel Netshitenzhe (Executive Director – MISTRA), Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of Government, Representatives of the Research Community, Academia, and Civil Society, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I extend my gratitude to the leadership of MISTRA for inviting
Speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Bi-Centenary of the Founding of the Basotho Nation and the fifth Anniversary of Independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho, 4 October 2024 Programme Director, His Majesty, King Letsie III and Queen Mohato Seeiso, The Right Honourable Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Eminent Majesties, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the engagement with the South African Chamber of Commerce, London, 3 October 2024 Programme Director, South African Chamber of Commerce UK, CEO’s, Managing Directors and All the Leaders of Business and Investors present, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to address the South African Chamber of Commerce today following what we consider to be a
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at JP Morgan, London, 2 October 2024 Managing Director, Andre Ross, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Executive Director Head of Subsidiary Banking Sub-Saharan Africa, Hemisha Lakhoo, JP Morgan executives, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to welcome you all to this JP Morgan-hosted event, where we come together to discuss the crucial topic of collaboration to improve
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the London Stock Exchange Investors’ Day, London, 1 October 2024 Programme Director, The leadership of the London Stock Exchange, our host, Ministers and Deputy Ministers from South Africa, Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members of the London Stock Exchange, it is an honour to address you today as we gather to discuss the immense opportunities for increased trade
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the Standard Bank Infrastructure Focus Engagement with British DFIS, London, 1 October 2024 Programme Director, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, CEO the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Lungisa Fuzile, CEO Corporate & Investment Banking South Africa, Zaid Moola, Head of Investment Banking Africa Regions and International, Yewande Sadiku, Ladies and gentlemen, Many of those that I have
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the Bloomberg Roundtable Discussion, Bloomberg Offices, London, 30 September 2024 Programme Director, Ministers and Deputy Ministers from South Africa, Bloomberg Executive Members in attendance, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It is an honour to be here today to be part of this Bloomberg Roundtable discussions. My delegation and I are here in the United Kingdom
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the South Africa-Ireland Business Forum, Conrod Hotel, Ireland, 27 September 2024 Programme Director and Moderator, Mr Yunus Hoosen, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, Ambassador-Designate Nicolette Schreiber, Mr Frank Gormley, Business Ireland SA, Mr John Mulder, Chair of the SA Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Mr Johnny Sexton – whom we cannot but make a
Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, Dublin, Republic of Ireland, 27 September 2024 Programme Director, Our seven (7) South African Start-Ups, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, Mr Tom Brazil and his team from the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, Mr Patrich Walsh, the CEO and founder of Dogpatch Labs, Ms Ashley Shak,
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Statement by Minister Ronald Lamola at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate under the Agenda Item, Maintenance of International Peace and Security, Leadership for Peace: United in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a Secure Future. 25 September 2024 We thank Dr Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, for convening this debate. We also wish to extend our
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 High Level Opening Session, 25 September 2024 President of the General Assembly, Ambassador Philémon Yang, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, President of the Republic of Brazil, Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Your Excellencies, Foreign Ministers, Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me to begin by expressing my appreciation to Brazil as the current President of
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, 24 September 2024 President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, Mr Philemon Yang, United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thirty years ago, South Africa was born as a new nation; equal, united and free from apartheid. We adopted a
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and Prosper Africa African Minerals Forum, 23 September 2024 Coordinator of Prosper Africa, Ms British Robinson, President of the Business Council for International Understanding, Mr Peter Tichansky, South African Ministers, Representatives of industry, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning and thank you for this opportunity. I wish to thank the BCIU
Remarks by President Ramaphosa during the SA-US Interactive Business Forum, 23 September 2024 President of the New York Stock Exchange, Ms Lynn Martin, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau, Ministers from the Republic of South Africa, Representatives of business from the US and South Africa, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, Allow me to begin by
South Africa’s statement at the AU Heads of State Virtual Meeting on MPOX, 22 September 2024 Chair of the African Union, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, African Union Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Fellow Heads of State, The threat of potential pandemics looms large. Scientists have predicted that climate change will likely increase the frequency of outbreaks of pandemic potential. When the Mpox epidemic began spreading
Remarks by President Ramaphosa at the Summit of the Future Plenary Session, 22 September 2024 President, of the General Assembly, Secretary-General, Excellencies, We meet at a time when the world faces many challenges and threats. Wars, conflict, and the spectre of emerging conflicts are ever-persistent features of our time. Climate change is an existential threat. It is reversing economic growth and development gains in the
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit Opening Ceremony, 5 September 2024 Your Excellency, Mr Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, Your Excellency, Mr Mohamed Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Your Excellency, Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal and co-chair of the Forum on
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South Africa-China Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit to China, Beijing, China, 4 September 2024 Ambassador Wu Peng of the Peoples Republic of China, Ambassador Siyabonge Cwele of the Republic of South Africa, Business Leaders from China and South Africa, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman, It gives me great pleasure to address you today at
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Shenzhen Business Roundtable on the occasion of the State Visit to the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 3 September 2024 Leadership of Guandong Province and the city of Beijing, Ministers, Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, Business leaders, Thank you to the leadership of Guangdong province and the city of Shenzhen for your generous hospitality.
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Talks with President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the South Africa State Visit to the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 2 September 2024 Your Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers from China and South Africa, Ambassadors of China and South Africa, Senior officials, Ladies and
Opening Remarks by Minister Ronald Lamola on the occasion of the Working Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, Mr Espen Barth Eide, Pretoria, 30 August 2024 Your Excellency, Mr Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway; it gives me great pleasure to welcome you and your esteemed delegation to South Africa for this meeting.
Remarks by HE Ms Thandi Moraka, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the 30th Commemoration of Liberation Day of Rwanda (Kwibohora30), on 26 July 2024 Your Excellency, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency, Mr Emmanuel Hategeka, and Spouse, Mrs Kasingye Vumila Jackie, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Your Excellencies:
Opening of Parliament Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Cape Town City Hall, Western Cape, 18 July 2024 Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Thoko Didiza, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Former President Thabo Mbeki, Former Deputy President and Former Speaker, Baleka Mbete, Former Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Chairperson of the NCOP, Amos Masondo,
Input by Hon. Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Debate on the Budget Vote of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Parliament, Cape Town, 11 July 2024 Honourable Deputy Speaker, Ms Lotriet, Minister Lamola, Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee, Director General of DIRCO and members of the South African Foreign Service, Ladies and gentlemen, Karl
Today, we gather under this vast Highveld sky at the seat of our government, the Union Buildings, to witness before all South Africans and our honoured guests from various countries on our beloved continent and from far afield a fundamental rite of our democracy. In our brilliant diversity, we gather to affirm our solemn conviction that this country belongs to all who live in it,
Statement by Professor Sydney Mufamadi, National Security Advisor of the Republic of South Africa, at the “High-Level Summit on Peace for Ukraine”, Switzerland, 15-16 June 2024 We thank the Government of Switzerland for the invitation to participate in this dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, inclusive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the region. The countries that responded positively to the invitation
Acceptance Speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa on his election as President of the Republic, National Assembly, 14 June 2024 Madame Speaker, Madame Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice, Leaders of all political parties represented in this National Assembly, I congratulate you Speaker and Deputy Speaker for your election. I am humbled and honoured that members of this National Assembly have through their votes tonight
Statement by Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa at the BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Tuesday, 11 June 2024 Honourable Chair, Minister Lavrov, Honourable BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs of invited countries Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Chairperson, colleagues the world is at
I wish to thank Minister Lavrov, our host, for bringing us together in this wonderful city. Chairperson, allow me to begin by expressing our Government and the delegation’s condolences to our Iran colleague, the overnment and its people following the tragic passing of our colleague, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian and President Raisi.
South Africa wishes to thank you and members of the Security Council for giving us an opportunity to address the Council at this meeting today. The Security Council is convening yet again to discuss the perilous situation in the Middle East. We can remind the members of the Security Council that the situation in Palestine and Israel has been on its agenda for almost as
Address by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at the CPUT Africa Day Commemoration held on 27 May 2024, at the CPUT Hotel School in Granger Bay, Cape Town Professor Chris Nhlapo, Vice Chancellor and Principal, Consul Esther Mudambo, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Cape Town, Consul Selma Nghinamundova, Consul General of Namibia in Cape Town, Consul Elsa Caposso Vicente,
Speech by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at the Ceremony of her bestowal of the Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco, 17 May 2024, 14h00 Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, HE Ambassador Ligia Maria Scherer, DIRCO Senior Management and officials, Members of the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil,
Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture Responsibility of the Academy in a Time of Genocide, 8 May 2024 Programme Coordinator Salim Vally, Professor Kammila Naidoo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Former Minister Ronnie Kasrils, Director-General Zane Dangor, Professor Samia Botmeh, Dean of Economics, Birzeit University, Advocate Diana Buttu, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an
Address by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Brazilian Foreign Ministry and Diplomatic Academy, 22 April 2024 “The Palestinian Question as an Issue of Human Rights, Self-Determination and Genocide” Programme Director, Excellencies, Senior officials, Ladies and gentlemen, The history of struggle against racism and apartheid in South Africa is a well-known historical record. There is less acknowledgement and
Opening Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and the Arab Republic of Egypt, Pretoria, 19 April 2024 Your Excellency, Mr Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ambassador Ntsiki
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the Working Visit to Juba, South Sudan, on 18 April 2024, delivered by Hon. Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Members of the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon, I am immensely grateful to my dear brother, President Salva Kiir Mayardit for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me
Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the Sixth Commonwealth Red Cross and Red Crescent International Humanitarian Law Conference, 15 April 2024 Dr Nils Melzer, Director of International Law, Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy, ICRC Geneva, Mr Jules Amoti, Head of Regional Delegation, ICRC Pretoria, Mr Takalo Molefi, CEO, South African Red Cross Society, Mr Michael Meyer, Head of International Law, British Red Cross,
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering Closing Remarks on the occasion of the Second Session of the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC) held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), OR Tambo Building, 12 March 2024 Your Excellency, President Akufo-Addo, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioners, Senior Officials, Members of the Media, We have now come to the end of the Second Session of the
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering Opening Remarks on the occasion of the Second Session of the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC) held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), OR Tambo Building, 12 March 2024 Your Excellency, President Nana Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioners, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning, Welcome to the Second Session
I thank you for the opportunity to address this august body and congratulate you on your stewardship of the Conference. You can be assured of my country’s support. South Africa aligns itself with the statements to be delivered by the distinguished delegations of New Zealand on behalf of the New Agenda Coalition (NAC), and by Zimbabwe on behalf of the Group of 21 (G-21).
Speech by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes on the Second Free State Investment Forum, 27 February 2024 Programme Director, MEC Meeko, Premier of the Free State, Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, Minister of Electricity, Dr Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister Kekana, Presidency, Deputy Minister Gina, DTIC, Deputy Minister Tshabalala, Water and Sanitation, Members of the Executive Council, Mangaung Executive Mayor Councillor Nthatsisi, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Elected Representatives:
Let me extend my appreciation to the members of the panel for their rich and informative presentations. We welcome the proposals for the strengthened implementation of the inclusion strategy and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in the UN system. We are reminded that a network of services is required to enable persons with disabilities to carry out daily tasks and participate
It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be addressing you today. I bring you warm greetings from the government and the people of South Africa. The year 2024 marks 30 years of constitutional democracy in South Africa. Our Constitution, which guides our foreign policy, took inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other key international instruments of International Law. The
We welcome His Excellency, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call, as the G20 President, for the reinvigoration of multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions. I want to briefly reflect on some of the statements made yesterday and refer to South Africa’s approach to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with regards to Israel’s possible breach of the Convention on the Prevention and
I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Brazil for hosting us and look forward to a successful meeting. We also join Ambassador Viera in welcoming the African Union to its very first meeting of G20 foreign ministers as a permanent member. South fully supports the Brazilian Presidency’s focus theme of Building a Just and a Sustainable Planet. It is very appropriate
Madam Speaker, according to two prominent economists, Alberto Alesina and Dani Rodrik, “A crude distinction between economics and politics would be that economics is concerned with expanding the pie while politics is about distributing it”. The point, Madam Speaker, is that the size and quality of the national pie is what informs, and ultimately determines, the realisation of our political imperative of redistribution.
As we reflect on the past 30 years of South Africa’s foreign policy, the country can be proud of the work of our Department of International Relations and Cooperation which has consistently seen South Africa punch above its weight on the global stage. South Africa is considered a champion of human rights around the world, a leader of the Global South, and a leader on
Keynote Address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the Eighth Annual Ubuntu Awards 2024, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, 10 February 2024 Programme Directors, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and Mr Pandor, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, and High Commissioners, Esteemed Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Directors-General and Senior Government Officials, Leaders
State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cape Town City Hall, 8 February 2024 Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Former President Thabo Mbeki, Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa
Statement by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO Media Briefing, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, 31 January 2024 Programme Director, Deputy Ministers Mashego-Dlamini, Director-General Dangor and all DIRCO Senior officials, Ladies and gentlemen of the Media, Thank you for honouring our invitation to this media briefing. This year we are celebrating thirty years of democracy, and we already have much
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the launch by South Africa of Preferential Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, Port of Durban, Ethekwini, 31 January 2024 Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Ministers, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Mr Wamkele Mene, Ministers of Trade from AfCFTA State Parties, Mayor
Country Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, Kampala, Republic of Uganda, 19 January 2024 Your Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Your Excellencies, Ministers and Ambassadors, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and people
We congratulate Uganda for hosting the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. We support the five focus areas and priorities of your Chairship. We thank Azerbaijan for the sterling way they led the Movement during the past three years.
Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Joint Media Briefing with Minister Schallenberg of Austria, DIRCO Media Briefing Room, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, 14 December 2023 Your Excellency, Minister Schallenberg, Your Excellencies the Ambassadors of Austria to South Africa and of South Africa to Austria, Members of the South African and Austrian media,
Public Lecture by Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the occasion of Celebrating Thirty Years of Diplomatic Relations through Mutual Respect, Strategic Partnership and Cooperation between South Africa and Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Tuesday, 12 December 2023 Professor Mancini, High Commissioner to South Africa, Zainal Arif Mantaha, High Commissioner to Singapore, Charlotte Lobe, Deputy Ministers of the Republic of South Africa,
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inaugural G77 + China Summit on Climate Change during the United Nations Climate-Focused Conference of Parties (COP 28), in Dubai, 2 December 2023 President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, I wish to convey my appreciation to Cuba for convening the Group of 77 and China at Summit level for the first
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the first Global Stock-Take High Level Segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2 December 2023 Moderators, Excellencies, Developing countries have borne the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change. Yet, they have still not received anywhere near the required multilateral support to face the climate
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the High-Level Segment for the Heads of State and Government during the UN Climate Change Conference 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 December 2023 His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of COP28, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Ladies
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Third African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, Pretoria, 28 November 2023 Programme Director and former Chair of UN Women, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Your Excellency Azali Assoumani, Chair of the African Union and President of the Union of the Comoros, Your Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia, Your Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius,
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of invited BRICS members on the situation in the Middle East, 21 November 2023 Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations, Your Excellencies, Leaders of Invited BRICS Members, Ministers, Sherpas and Sous Sherpas, Officials, Thank you for your attendance at this Extraordinary Joint Meeting to address a matter
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Qatar-South Africa Business Roundtable, Doha, Qatar, 15 November 2023 Ministers from South Africa, Leaders of business from South Africa and the State of Qatar, Distinguished guests, Good Afternoon, I would like to thank the government of the State of Qatar for their warm and friendly hospitality and I welcome this opportunity to engage with Qatari
Remarks by the Deputy President of South Africa, HE Mr Paul Mashatile, on the occasion of the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre, 10 November 2023 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the
Ministerial Statement on the Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, in the National Assembly House of Parliament, 7 November 2023 Chairperson, I should have agreed with Honourable Pumza, that the Africa National Congress is not deterred by these polls that are always meant to frighten the ANC. We will campaign hard, and we will do well.
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Opening Ceremony of the 20th AGOA Forum, Johannesburg Expo Centre, 3 November 2023 Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Mr Albert Muchanga, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Mr
Like many here in this hall today we are deeply disturbed by the harrowing images of death, destruction and turmoil which have engulfed Gaza as a result of Israeli bombardment of civilians, essential infrastructure and places of worship. As the international community, we must be united in calling for an immediate comprehensive ceasefire. Humanitarian corridors should be opened immediately so that aid and other basic
South Africa would like to thank the Federative Republic of Brazil for convening this open debate to discuss how we effectively move from theory to practice to enhance women’s participation in international peace and security. We appreciate the informative presentations by the briefers this morning.
We thank the Federative Republic of Brazil for convening this timely, open debate. We also thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr Tor Wennesland and Ms Lynn Hastings, Deputy Special Coordinator, for their briefings. The details they provided pointed to the terrible plight of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the urgent need to ensure the
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Cairo Summit for Peace, Cairo, Egypt, 21 October 2023 Your Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Representatives and Officials, President Sisi thank you for convening this important summit that will hopefully raise the awareness of the world of what
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Political Consultations with Minister Stanley Kakubo of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, 20 October 2023 Your Excellency and Dear Brother, Minister Stanley Kakubo, Honourable High Commissioners, Senior Government Officials from our respective countries, Good morning to you all, It is my pleasure to address you
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Talks with King Willem-Alexander on the occasion of the Netherlands State Visit, Union Buildings, Pretoria, 19 October 2023 Your Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Honourable Ministers of the Netherlands and South Africa, Ambassadors, Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to welcome you, Your Majesties, on this, your first
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Third South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission Business Forum, Windhoek, Namibia, 13 October 2023 Programme Directors, His Excellency President Dr Hage Geingob, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Industrialisation and Trade of Namibia, Ms Lucia Lipumbu, Ministers, High Commissioners, Members of the diplomatic corps, Leaders of business from
President Ramaphosa’s Closing Remarks during the Third Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, Windhoek, Namibia, 13 October 2023 Your Excellency, President Geingob, Honourable Ministers, Our respective High Commissioners, Senior Government Officials, We have come to the end of the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Namibia. The Ministerial Report that we have just considered and approved has
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Third Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, Windhoek, Namibia, 13 October 2023 Your Excellency, President Dr Hage Geingob, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioner, Senior Officials, Members of the media from Namibia and South Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning, Your Excellency President Geingob, thank you for receiving us in Windhoek. We are pleased
Country Statement delivered by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting of the Indian Ocean RIM Association (IORA), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 11 October 2023 Honourable Chair, Minister Ali Sabri, Honourable Ministers & Deputy Ministers present here today, IORA Secretary-General, Amb Al-Farisi, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, Please allow me to
Eulogy by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Funeral of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Aziz Goolam Hoosein Pahad, West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, 30 September 2023 Programme Director, The extended Pahad family, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Leadership of the African National Congress, Leadership of the Alliance and Democratic Movement, Leaders of Political Parties, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Religious and community leaders
Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the passing of former Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad, 28 September 2023 The late Aziz Pahad, who passed away on 27 September 2023, will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid in South Africa and for his life-long commitment to the promotion of human rights on the international
Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the Inaugural Lesotho–South Africa Bi-National Commission, 28 September 2023 Your Excellency, Prime Minister Matekane, Ministers, High Commissioners, Colleagues, We have come to the end of our bilateral discussions, which have been frank and cordial. We remain forever grateful for the strong ties that exist between our countries and peoples. The work we
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the launch of the Inaugural Lesotho–South Africa Bi-National Commission, 28 September 2023 Your Excellency, Prime Minister Matekane, Honourable Ministers, Our respective High Commissioners, Senior Government Officials, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellency, I am pleased to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. It is indeed a pleasure to co-chair this
Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the occasion of the Ninth BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa, 27 September 2023 Programme Director, Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, Your Excellency, Mme Nosiviwe Maphisa Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly, Your Excellency, Ntate Lechesa Tsenoli, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, The Chairperson of the NCOP, Ntate Amos Masondo, The Deputy Chairperson
Keynote Address by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the UNESCO Ninth Africa Engineering Week and Africa Engineering Conference, CSIR International Convention Centre, 25 September 2023 Programme Director, Minister for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure – Mr Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Governor of Ogun State in Nigeria, Her Excellency Engineer Noimot Salako, Representative from the African Union, Ms Sophia Ashipala, Deputy Chief Secretary in
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to the Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on Financing for African Union Peace Support Operations, New York, 23 September 2023 Your Excellency, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of September 2023, Your Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat,
South Africa welcomes the opportunity to contribute to today’s discussion. We hope that this debate lays the basis for concrete action to end the war in Ukraine and focuses on work that is required towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, with renewed commitments to inclusive multilateralism wherein the principles of the Charter and international law are consistently implemented in all situations.
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Climate Ambition Summit, New York, USA, 20 September 2023 President of the UN General Assembly, Amb Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, Your Excellencies, We have witnessed with increasing alarm the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable production and resource scarcity on human health and well-being. As countries across the globe seek practical
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, New York, USA, 20 September 2023 President of the UN General Assembly, Amb Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, Your Excellencies, Humanity is confronted with the convergence of a climate crisis, recession, increasing conflict, environmental degradation, rising food insecurity, deepening poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.
Seventy-eight years ago, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the nations of the world made a solemn commitment to save future generations from the horror and the suffering of war. Through the United Nations Charter these nations accepted a shared mandate to foster peace and to promote fundamental human rights, social progress and a better standard of life for all.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks on advancing Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in Africa, New York, USA, 18 September 2023 Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa Centres for Disease Prevention and Control Ministers of Health and Delegates, Leaders of Specialised AU Organs, Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to thank Africa CDC for inviting us to co-host this critical meeting on the margins of
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks at the US–South Africa Trade and Investment Business Roundtable Dialogue, New York, USA, 18 September 2023 Mr Scott Eisner, President of the US-Africa Business Center, US Chamber of Commerce, Mr Stephen Kehoe, Chair, US-Africa Business Center, Mr Cas Coovadia, Chief Executive Officer, Business Unity South Africa, Honoured guests, colleagues and friends, Thank you for the opportunity to spend some
President Ramaphosa Addresses Sustainable Development Goals and Investments during Day 1 and Day 2 of Engagements in New York, USA, 18 September 2023 President Ramaphosa, spent the first and second day of his working visit to the United States for the 78th United Nations General Assembly, discussing sustainable development goals and investments to South Africa. On Sunday, 17 September, President Ramaphosa held a
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, UN General Assembly, New York, USA, 18 September 2023 President of the UN General Assembly, Amb Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, Your Excellencies, This is a vital Summit that must revive and accelerate progress towards the fulfilment of the promises we made to the peoples of the world in 2015.
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the High-Level Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) Event, UN General Assembly, New York, USA, 18 September 2023 Your Excellency, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Your Excellency Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, UNICEF Executive Director, Dr Catherine Russell, Vice President of Global Programs at
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the General Debate of Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G77 + China, on the theme: “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation”, 16 September 2023 Chairperson, Your excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I
Remarks by Deputy President Mashatile to the media during the incoming Official Visit to South Africa by Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Pretoria, 15 September 2023 Your Excellency, Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Honourable Deputy Ministers, Members of the Vietnamese and South African delegations, Members of the Vietnamese, South African and international media, Ladies and gentlemen, South
Opening Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, during the Official Visit to South Africa by Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 15 September 2023 Your Excellency, Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Honourable Ministers, Senior Officials, Vice President, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my utmost
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Working Session II: One Family, G20 Leaders’ Summit, New Delhi, India, 9 September 2023 Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and President of the G20, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Representatives of International Organisations, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa welcomes the Indian Presidency’s efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Working Session I: One Earth One Earth, G20 Leaders’ Summit, 9 September 2023, New Delhi, India Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and President of the G20, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Representatives of International Organisations, Ladies and Gentlemen, We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a
Speech delivered by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, HE Mr Alvin Botes, on the occasion of the Validation Meeting of the Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 6 September 2023 Your Excellency, Ms Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate, President of the Executive Committee
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s China–Africa Roundtable Closing Remarks on the occasion of the State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hilton Hotel, Sandton, 24 August 2023 Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Heads of State and Government and Chairs of the Regional Economic Communities in Africa, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ministers and Advisors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Our deliberations this evening have been robust,
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s China–Africa Roundtable Opening Remarks on the occasion of State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hilton Hotel, Sandton, 24 August 2023 Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Co-Chair of the China–Africa Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, Heads of State and Government and Chairs of the Regional Economic Communities in Africa, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Ministers and Advisors, Ladies
Welcome Remarks by BRICS Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the BRICS–Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, 24 August 2023 Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Your Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros and Chair of the African Union, Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations, Leaders of Africa and the Global South, Leaders of Global and
BRICS Chair President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Media Briefing Remarks announcing the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit, 24 August 2023 Excellencies, Members of the Media, Good Afternoon, We successfully concluded the XV BRICS Summit yesterday. It is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global travel restrictions. Leading up to the Summit, there was
Welcome Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Cultural Performance and State Banquet of the XV BRICS Summit, 23 August 2023 Your Excellencies, Leaders of the BRICS nations, Your Excellencies, Leaders from across Africa, Your Excellencies, Leaders of the Global South, Representatives of global and regional institutions, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Good Evening. Thank you for accepting my
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the XV BRICS Summit Open Plenary, Sandton International Convention Centre, 23 August 2023 Your Excellency President Lula Da Silva, Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Your Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank, Chair of the BRICS Business Council, Ms Busi Mabuza, Chair
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue, 22 August 2023 Your Excellency, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Your Excellency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ministers and Officials, Business Leaders, Friends, It is a great honour to participate in this Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum. I thank you all for your attendance and participation. The
Media Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 22 August 2023 Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors from China and South Africa, Members of delegations, Members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa is honoured to receive President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Talks on the occasion of the State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 22 August 2023 Your Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers from China and South Africa, Ambassador of China and South Africa, Senior officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on South Africa’s foreign policy, 20 August 2023 Fellow South Africans, I would like to address you this evening on South Africa’s foreign policy in the light of our country being the host of the 15th BRICS Summit. I would also like us to understand and appreciate the significance of this gathering for our country and the
Public Lecture by HE Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the UNISA 150th Anniversary celebration, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31 July 2023 Programme Director, Dr Samuel Kifle, State Minister, Ministry of Education, HE Ambassador Xolisa Makaya, Ambassador of South Africa to Ethiopia, Ambassador Dr Muktar Kedir Abdu, Ambassador of Ethiopia to South Africa, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice Chancellor of
Closing Remarks by Minister GNM Pandor at the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission, Addis Ababa, 31 July 2023 Honourable Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Senior
Opening Remarks by Minister Dr GNM Pandor, on the occasion of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission, Addis Ababa, 31 July 2023 Honourable Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to express our sincere
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a Plenary Session in the Second Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation, 28 July 2023 Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, Your Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, Chair of the African Union and President of the Comoros, Your Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Guests,
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the DRC-South Africa Business Forum, 12th Session of DRC-SA Binational Commission, Kinshasa, DRC, 6 July 2023 His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Minister of Industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Ministers from the DRC and South
Statement by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Mr Alvin Botes, on the occasion of the Ministerial General Debate of the Ministerial Meeting of the CoB on the Theme: NAM: United and Steadfast in confronting Emerging Challenges, 6 July 2023 Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Government
Statement by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Mr Alvin Botes on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine, Baku, Azerbaijan, 5 July 2023 Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Dear Colleagues, South Africa remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine caused by Israel’s continued aggression and occupation. The demolitions of Palestinians properties,
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the 12th Session of the Bi-National Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 July 2023 Your Excellency Mr Christophe Lutundula, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dear Colleagues, Honourable Ministers from South Africa and DRC, Chargé
Opening Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Eighth Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Ezulwini, Eswatini, 29 June 2023 Your Majesty King Mswati III, Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Trade and Finance of SACU, Executive Secretary of SACU, Mr Thabo Khasipe, Members of the SACU Secretariat, Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, We are meeting at a
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Eleventh Meeting of the South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission, Pretoria, 27 June 2023 Your Excellency Minister Baerbock, Your Excellencies Ambassador Peschke and Ambassador Sizani, Officials from the Governments of Germany and of South Africa, I wish to extend a warm welcome to you, Madam Minister, and
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of his participation in the Round Table Discussion on Green Growth Partnerships at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, 22 June 2023 President Emmanuel Macron, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, This Summit is taking place at an important moment in the international climate discussions. The Summit is a valuable platform for engagement
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the SA–Denmark–Netherlands Business Forum, 20 June 2023 Your Excellency, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, Your Excellency, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors, Business leaders from the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa, Representatives of organised labour, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Official Talks of the Denmark and Netherlands Joint Working Visit, Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria, 20 June 2023 Your Excellency Prime Minister Frederiksen, Your Excellency Prime Minister Rutte, Ambassadors representing South Africa, Denmark and the Netherlands, Ministers, Officials, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to South Africa. It is not every day
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the World of Work Summit of the International Labour Organisation, Palais De Nations, Geneva, Switzerland President of the International Labour Conference, Dr Al bin Samikh Al Marri, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, Heads of State and Government, Representatives of international agencies, Representatives of employers and workers groups present, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Speech by Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai, 12 June 2023 Ambassador Saa’d Cachalia, Consul General Andrew Tsepo Lebona, Consul General, Mr Khalid Al Ali Director: International Relations: Africa-Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders and Representatives from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to express
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Media Briefing Remarks on the occasion of the State Visit by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, Union Buildings, Pretoria, 6 June 2023 Your Excellency, President de Sousa, Honourable Ministers, Members of the Portuguese and South African delegations, Members of the Portuguese, South African and international media, Good morning, South Africa is honoured that President de Sousa is
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening Remarks at Official Talks with President de Sousa during the Portugal State Visit, Union Buildings, Pretoria, 6 June 2023 Your Excellency, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Chargé d’Affaires of the Portuguese Embassy, Mr Manuel do Vale, Ambassador-Designate of the Portuguese Republic to South Africa, Mr José Costa Pereira, Ambassador Mmamokoena Gaoretelelwe, Head of Mission at the South African Embassy in
Statement by Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the Opening Session of the 12th South Africa–China Strategic Dialogue, Beijing, China, 24 May 2023 Your Excellency, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Deng Li, Ambassador Siyabonga Cwele, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Zodwa Lallie, Acting Deputy Director-General, Branch: Asia and Middle
Speech by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at the Launch Ceremony of the Ninth Pan-African Congress in Lomé, Togo, 22 May 2023 His Excellency, President Gnassingbé, His Excellency, Professor Robert Dussey, His Excellency, Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for the Republic of the Congo, Fellow Members of the High Committee on the Decade of African
Media Briefing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Official Visit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore, Tuynhuys, Cape Town, 16 May 2023 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Honourable Ministers, Members of the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Prime Minister Lee and I have just concluded productive discussions during his first Official Visit to South Africa.
Welcome Remarks by Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini at the Official Opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, Midrand, 15 May 2023 Your Excellency, President of the Union of the Comoros, Mr Azali Assoumani, also Chairperson of the African Union, Honourable Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, Honourable Speakers of the various African National Parliaments, Honourable Members
Statement by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during a media briefing on the occasion of an Official Visit by Colombian Vice President, Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria, 12 May 2023 Your Excellency Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors, Members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of Government and
Opening Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Official Talks during the Official Visit by Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, 12 May 2023 Your Excellency, Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning, Firstly, I would like to once
Dr GNM Pandor Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Budget Vote Speech 2023, ‘Strengthening Partnerships to forge a more just and equitable global system’, 10 May 2023 Chairperson, Deputy Ministers Mashego-Dlamini and Botes, Chairperson Mahumapelo, Chair of the Portfolio Committee, Members of the Executive, Honourable members and guests, Good afternoon and welcome to this debate on the 2022/2023 work of DIRCO and the
International Relations and Cooperation Budget Vote Speech, Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini, 10 May 2023 Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Honorable Mr Supra Mahumapelo, Members of the Portfolio Committee, Honourable Minister Dr Naledi Pandor, Deputy Ministers present, The Director- General and Officials of the Department, Ladies and Gentlemen, Honourable Chairperson, it is a great honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to present
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the closed session on Advancing Political Dialogue and Security Cooperation in the Region, 6 May 2023 11TH HIGH-LEVEL REGIONAL OVERSIGHT MECHANISM OF THE PEACE, SECURITY AND COOPERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND THE GREAT LAKES REGION Your Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the Peace, Security and Cooperation
Welcome Remarks by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, to the Ninth BRICS Middle East North Africa (MENA) Meeting held in Century City, Cape Town, 26 April 2023 Deputy Ministers and Special Envoys for the MENA region, Heads of the Senior Officials Meeting, BRICS delegates, Members of the Media, Excellencies, It gives me great pleasure to chair the
Media Briefing Remarks by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State Visit by His Excellency President Sauli Niinistö of the Republic of Finland, 25 April 2023 Your Excellency, President Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, Ministers and Ambassadors, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning, thank you for being here. It has been an
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks on the occasion of the State Visit by President Sauli Niinisto of the Republic of Finland, Union Buildings, Pretoria, 25 April 2023 Your Excellency, President Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is always an honour to welcome friends, and an even greater honour
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a media briefing on the occasion of the State Visit by President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia, Union Buildings, 20 April 2023 Your Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, Members of the media, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to express once again my appreciation
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the Official Talks on the occasion of the Namibia State Visit, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 20 April 2023 Your Excellency and Dear Brother, President Dr Hage Geingob, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioners, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning, Allow me to begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, for honouring our invitation. Too many years have
Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Fifth South Africa Investment Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 13 April 2023 Programme Director, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, We have come to the end of the Fifth South Africa Investment Conference. Having now officially concluded the first phase of our national investment mobilisations drive, we can say this has been a watershed conference.
Opening Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Fifth South Africa Investment Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, 13 April 2023 Programme Director, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Mr Wamkele Mene, Premiers, Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Business leaders, Distinguished
Address by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Charlotte Maxeke African Women Leadership Awards, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 25 March 2023 Programme Director Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi Deputy Minister Alvin Botes Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini Director-General of DIRCO, Zane Dangor DIRCO Senior Officials Members of the Mannya, Makhanya and Maxeke family Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute Members of
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit by Their Majesties the King and the Queen of the Belgians, CSIR Convention Centre, Tshwane, 23 March 2023 Your Majesty, King Philippe of the Belgians, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions of Belgium, Ms Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Trade, Industry
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Official Talks on the occasion of the State Visit by Your Majesties the King Philippe and Queen Mathilda of the Belgians, Union Buildings, 23 March 2023 Your Majesty, King Philippe of the Belgians, Your Majesty, Queen Mathilde of the Belgian, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South Africa – Tanzania Business Forum, CSIR Convention Centre, Tshwane, 16 March 2023 Your Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, High Commissioners of South Africa and Tanzania, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Tanzania, Hon Dr Ashatu Kijaji, Ministers
Media Briefing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State Visit by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 16 March 2023 Your Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ministers, Officials, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon, We have held productive discussions with Her Excellency President Hassan and the delegation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks of the State Visit by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Union Buildings, 16 March 2023 Your Excellency, My Dear Sister, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Honourable Ministers, Officials, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to welcome you, Madam President on this, your first State Visit to South Africa. I
Remarks by Her Excellency Candith Mashego Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa at the opening of the Political Consultations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Togo, 16 March 2023, Lomé Your Excellency, Mr Afo O Salifou, Permanent Secretary, Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad of the Republic of Togo, Your Excellency, Ms
Opening Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor on the occasion of the Ministerial Session of the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania, Pretoria, 15 March 2023 Your Excellency and Dear Sister, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Senior Officials from our respective Governments, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning (Habari za asubuhi),
Remarks by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at The Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum: “The Current State of Global Peace and Security Architecture – Utilisation of Existing Capacity by Peace Institutions” Panel: Global Solidarity and Accountability, 8 March 2023 Programme Director: Ambassador Maude Dlomo, Ms Aleta Miller, UN Women Representative Madame Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace
Keynote Address by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, to the Forbes Africa Leading Women’s Summit Sunbet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria, 8 March 2023 Programme Director, Rakesh Wahi – Co-Founder of the ABN Group and Mrs Saloni Wahi, Sam Bhembe – Non-Executive Director of the ABN Group, Roberta Naicker – Managing Director of the ABN Group, Renuka Methil – Managing Editor
Opening Address by Deputy-Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini at the official opening of the First Statutory Committees Sitting of the Six Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), at the PAP precinct in Midrand, 06 March 2023 Your Excellency, President of the Pan-African Parliament, Right Honourable, Chief Fortune Charumbira, Pan-African Parliament Bureau Members, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Honourable Members of the Pan-African Parliament, Ladies and gentlemen,
52nd Session of the Human Rights Council, South Africa’s Statement for the High-Level Segment delivered Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini, Geneva, 02 March 2023 Mr President, At the outset let me express South Africa’s condolences to the Governments and Peoples of Türkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake that struck them a few weeks ago. I would also like to express our solidarity and
HRC 52- High-Level Panel Discussion on UPR Voluntary Funds: Achievements, good practices and lessons learned over the past 15 years and optimised support to states in the implementation of recommendations emanating from the fourth cycle, delivered by: Hon. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, 1 March 2023 Mr President, Excellencies and Participants, I am honoured to participate in today’s
Remarks by Hon. Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the High-Level Side-Event in the margins of the 52nd Session of the HRC Implementation of Art.1 ICCPR / ICESCR in Western Sahara, 01 March 2023 Your Excellencies, Distinguished panellists, Ladies and gentlemen, It is my sincere honour to be able to say a few words today at this side-event
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South Africa – Uganda Business Forum during the State Visit by President Yoweri Museveni to South Africa, 28 February 2023 Your Excellency, President Yoweri Museveni, High Commissioners of South Africa and Uganda, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives of Uganda, Mr Francis Mwebesa, Ministers and
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Official Talks on the occasion of the State Visit by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, 28 February 2023 Your Excellency, my dear brother President Yoweri Museveni, High Commissioners of South Africa and Uganda, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Members of delegations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome, Mr President, to you and your delegation. South Africa is proud
52nd Session of the Human Rights Council: South African Statement delivered by: Hon. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Biennial High-Level Panel Discussion on the Question of the Death Penalty: Theme: Human Rights Violations Relating to the Use of the Death Penalty, in particular, with Respect to Limiting the Death Penalty to the Most Serious Crimes. Geneva, Switzerland, 28 February 2023
Statement delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Hon. Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini at the Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel “A reflection on five years of the United Nations Youth Strategy (Youth 2030): Mapping a blueprint for the next steps.” Geneva, Switzerland, 27 February 2023 Mr. President, In 2018, the 73rd Session of the General Assembly took a bold and timely step with the launch of the
Programme Director Dr Raj Ramesar, Professor/Head of the Division of Human Genetics UCT Dr Charles Rotimi Dr Michelle Ramsay, Chair of the International Scientific Programme Committee Dr Francis Collins, Former Director National Institute of Health Distinguished delegates Ladies and Gentlemen It is my great privilege to welcome you all to the 14th International Congress of Human Genetics, taking place for the first time in
Solidarity message by African Union Champion on COVID-19 Response, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the High-Level Breakfast Meeting of Heads of State and Government on Africa Centres for Disease Control, Addis Ababa Your Excellency, Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Your Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Your
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the meeting of the AU PSC of Heads of State and Government on the consideration of the situation in eastern DRC Your Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Your Excellency António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, Your Excellencies, Members of the Peace, and Security Council, Your Excellency Felix Tshisikedi, President of
Address by Minister GNM Pandor at the Annual Ubuntu Awards 2023, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, 11 February 2023 Programme directors. Ministers and deputy ministers. Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners. Esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps. Members of Parliament, Leaders from business, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Warm greetings to you all. I join our deputy minister in welcoming you
Tribute to former Speaker of the National Assembly, the late Dr Frene Ginwala at the Joint Sitting, Monday, 6 February 2023, City Hall, Cape Town Madam Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief whip of the Majority party, honourable members and the family and colleagues of Dr Frene Ginwala, It is a privilege and deeply held honour to have the opportunity to contribute to this important
Message by Minister Pandor to the First BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting, Limpopo, South Africa, 1 February 2023 BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas, Ambassadors, Director-General Dangor, Professor Sooklal, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good day to you all. It is my pleasure to welcome you to South Africa for the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meeting of 2023. How I wish I were
Remarks delivered by Mr Zane Dangor, Director-General, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Welcome Dinner of the First BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting, 31 January 2023, Limpopo Prof. Anil Sooklal, Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu Shri Dammu Ravi, Amb. Pavel Knyazev, Ms Ana Maria Bierrenbach, DDG Walter Segooa from the office of the Premier of Limpopo, BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas, Ambassadors, Excellencies,
Opening Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, during the 15th South Africa – European Union Ministerial Political Dialogue, in Pretoria, 27 January 2023 I wish to warmly welcome High Representative / Vice-President Borrell and the three accompanying EU Commissioners, Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen (International Partnerships); Commissioner Mairead McGuiness (Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union)
Closing Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation during the Bilateral Political Consultations with Mr Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Pretoria, 23 January 2023 Your Excellency Mr Lavrov, The discussions of today were frank and open, and I am pleased about the progress evident on a variety of issues between our two
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation during the Bilateral Political Consultations with Mr Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Pretoria, 23 January 2023 Your Excellency, Mr Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your delegation
Your Excellency, Minister Çavuşoğlu Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and Esteemed Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa and for making yourself available to meet in order for us to discuss matters of mutual concern, bilaterally and multilaterally during these very challenging times we find ourselves in. Your Excellency please also allow me to
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Bilateral Political Consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, 09 January 2023 Your Excellency, Minister Çavuşoğlu Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and Esteemed Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa and
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Bilateral Political Consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, 09 January 2023 Your Excellency, Minister Çavuşoğlu Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and Esteemed Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa and
Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the end-of-the-year Media Briefing on South Africa’s foreign policy milestones, 12 December 2022 Thank you, Programme Director, Ladies and gentlemen of the media, Allow me to take this opportunity to send, on behalf of myself and my department, our deepest condolences to the family, friends and
Remarks by DR GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the World Science Forum Plenary on Science Diplomacy, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 8 December 2022 “Science for Diplomacy – how science can reboot multilateralism and global solidarity” Programme Director, Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Tamas Freund, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Professor
Remarks by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Global Network of Focal Points, DIRCO, 6 December 2022 “Taking Practical Action to Implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Through Inter-Regional Cooperation” Programme Director, Minister of State for Gender and Culture of the Republic of Uganda, Ms Peace Regis Mutuuzo,
Remarks by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Global Network of Focal Points, DIRCO, 6 December 2022 “Taking Practical Action to Implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Through Inter-Regional Cooperation” Programme Director, Minister of State for Gender and Culture of the Republic of Uganda, Ms Peace Regis Mutuuzo,
Opening Remarks by Honourable Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Mid-Term Review of the 10th BNC between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Monday, 28 November 2022 My dear brother, His Excellency, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the 21st Annual Regional Seminar on the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law: 22 – 25 November 2022 Theme – International Humanitarian Law: An African Perspective on Contemporary Global Challenges”, 22 November 2022 Distinguished Co-Chairs, Mr Amoti, the Head of the Regional Delegation, ICRC Pretoria, Ambassador Gladys Mokhawa, Honourable delegates from the region, Members of the
South Africa’s Country Statement delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, on the occasion of the 22nd Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 24 November 2022 Honourable Chair, Dr Momen, Honourable Ministers & Deputy Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Delegates, On behalf of the Government and People of South Africa, I wish to express our deepest condolences
Speech delivered by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, IORA Business Forum Closing Session, 21 November 2022, Dhaka, Bangladesh Esteemed guests, Honourable fellow members of panel, Chairperson of the IORA Business Forum, Sheikh Fazle Fahim, Secretary General of IORA, Ambassador Al Farisi, It is my great privilege to be in your beautiful country and thank you for inviting
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Inaugural Session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) with the Republic of Burundi, 4 November 2022 Your Excellency and dear Colleague, Honourable Minister Albert Shingiro, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Burundi. Your Excellency, Mr Ferdinand Bashikako, Permanent Secretary
Remarks by HE Olusegun Obasanjo, High Representative of the AU Chairperson for the Horn of Africa, on the occasion of the Signing of the Peace Agreement between the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), Pretoria, South Africa, on 2 November 2022 My dear brother and former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, My dear sister and former
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Official Talks with President Pedro Sánchez on the occasion of the Official Visit by Spain, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 27 October 2022 Your Excellency President Pedro Sánchez, Ambassador Robredo Raimundo Rubio, Ambassador Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele, Honourable Ministers, Senior Members of the Spanish and South African delegations, Allow me to begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, for honouring our invitation
Media Briefing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during an Official Visit by Spain, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 27 October 2022 Your Excellency President Pedro Sánchez, Ambassadors, Ministers, Officials, Members of the Media, Good afternoon. It has been an honour to receive His Excellency President Sánchez and his delegation. We have just concluded a very successful engagement, where we exchanged views on how
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South Africa – Spain Business Forum on the occasion of an Official Visit to South Africa by President Pedro Sánchez of the Government of Spain, 27 October 2022 Your Excellency President Pedro Sánchez, Ambassadors, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Leaders of business from Spain and South Africa, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome once again to our guests
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Official Talks, Saharawi State Visit, Union Buildings, 18 October 2022 Your Excellency, President Brahim Ghali, Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa I welcome you, Mr President, and your esteemed delegation on this significant visit to South Africa. We enjoy fraternal bilateral relations
Media Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the State Visit by the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 18 October 2022 Your Excellency, President Brahim Ghali, Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen, This morning I welcomed His Excellency Brahim Ghali, President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, to South Africa and to our seat of Government here
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks at the closing session of the Saudi Arabia-South Africa Investment Conference on the occasion of the State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 15 October 2022 Minister Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Minister Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa, Ministers from Saudi Arabia and South Africa, Business leaders from
Statement by Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative, in explanation of vote on UNGA Resolution A/ES-11/L.5, 12 October 2022 Mr President, South Africa is deeply concerned by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the increased loss of life and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The detrimental effects of this war are also being felt all over the world. We urge parties to the conflict to fully
Statement by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the General Debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 21 September 2022, United Nations, New York President of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency Mr Csaba Kőrösi, Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr António Guterres, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Ladies and
Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Media Briefing on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Visit to the United States of America, 12 September 2022 Good morning to you all, Members of the Media, We have convened this briefing today to inform you about South Africa’s participation in the High-Level segment of the annual United Nations
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the occasion of the hosting of the South Africa – United States Strategic Dialogue, 08 August 2022, Pretoria Secretary of State, Mr Antony Blinken, Ms Heather Merritt, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Pretoria, Ambassador-designate, Reuben Brigety II, Your Excellencies, Ministers of the Government of South Africa (TBC), Assistant
Address by Dr GNM Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Botswana – South Africa Business Forum, 03rd August 2022, Gaborone Celebrating 28 Years of Trade and Investment Relations Programme Director Mr Phenyo Moroka, Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry Mmusi Kgafela, High Commissioners of Botswana and South Africa, Captains of Industry and government officials, Ladies and gentlemen, I
Address by Dr GNM Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Symposium on the Framework Document on South Africa’s National Interest and its advancement in a Global Environment, Monday, 1 August 2022 from 09:00 to 13:00 at the DIRCO Conference Centre, Pretoria Programme Director, Distinguished Panellists, Officials, Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank all of you for agreeing to
Address by Minister Pandor to the Conference of Palestinian Heads of Mission in Africa, Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria, 26 July 2022 His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine, Dr Malki, Her Excellency, the Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa, Amb Hanan Jarrar, Excellencies, the Ambassadors of Palestine to countries in Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my pleasure to warmly welcome our
Speech by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at the G20 Foreign Minister Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, 08 July 2022 “Strengthening Multilateralism” Chairperson, Colleagues, I thank Minister Mersurdi for the excellent arrangements and hospitality arranged for us for this G20 Meeting of foreign ministers. Our meeting has attracted global interest as the world looks to fora such
Keynote Address by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, at the South Africa Trade and Investment Seminar in Porto, 27 June 2022 “South Africa: Economic Recovery Post-COVID” Programme Director, Mr Paulo Ramalho, City Councillor for Economic Competitiveness, Ambassador Mmamokoena Gaoretelelwe, Head of the South Africa Embassy in Lisbon, Mr António Silva Tiago, Mayor of the Municipality of Maia, Mr
Statement by Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini on the occasion of Procurement Seminar, 24 June 2022 Program Facilitator, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, Distinguished Representatives of the United Nations namely: Under Secretary General of Operational Support, Mr Atul Khare, Assistant Secretary General of the Office of Supply Chain Management, Mr Christian Saunders, Representatives of South African Business Entities, Colleagues from invited
Statement by Mr Alvin Botes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa to the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 21 June 2022, Vienna, Austria Thank you, Mr President, for the opportunity to address this august gathering. It has indeed been a long journey and now we are finally here, working on the implementation
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at the 24th Ordinary Meeting of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in Pretoria – 19 July 2022 Honourable NF Kapofi, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of the Republic of Namibia, and Incoming Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Honourable Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister
Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, at the Parliament of South Africa: National Assembly, on the 20th anniversary of the African Union in 20 Years, (hybrid), 25 May 2022 Speaker of the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa, Deputy President Mabuza, Cabinet Ministers, Fellow Members of South African Parliament, Chief of the Majority Party, Honourable Majodina, Members of the Arab Maghreb Union, Members of the Common
Minister Naledi Pandor’s Remarks to Learners at Zinikeleni Secondary School, 20 May 2022 Principal Mr Mathibela, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande district municipality, Cllr Dan Nkosi, MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, Mr Bonakele Majuba, Chair of the School Governing Body Mr Mhlanga, Ambassador of Qatar Tariq Ali Al-Ansari, Learners of Zinikeleni Secondary School, It is an honour to be with you today, ahead
Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations at the Seminar to mark the 20th anniversary of the African Union, hosted by the University of Cape Town, on 18 May 2022 Programme Director, Acting Vice Chancellor, Members of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, The entire leadership of the University, Alumni, Guests from outside the University, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Africa in 2063 – Removing obstacles to prosperity, Dr GNM Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, University of Cape Town, 17 May 2022 Programme Director and Dean of Humanities at UCT, Associate Professor Shose Kessi, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini and Deputy Minister Botes, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Members of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Director General and Senior Managers from DIRCO,
International Relations and Cooperation, Budget Vote Speech, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, 12 May 2022 Honourable Mahumapelo, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Minister of DIRCO, Dr Pandor, Honourable Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini Honourable Members, This speech is dedicated to the foresight and fortitude of one of the penholders of the South African Freedom Charter, Professor ZK Matthews. South
International Relations and Cooperation, Budget Vote Speech, Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini, 12 May 2022 Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Honorable Mr Supra Mahumapelo, Honourable members, Members of the executive, Guests joining us today, As the world continues to grapple with the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have had to confront dwindling budgets and do more with less. South Africa
Speech by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Budget Vote, 12 May 2022 ‘Consolidating South Africa’s Foreign Policy Contribution to a better Africa and Better World’ Chairman of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Supra Mahumapelo, Honourable members, Members of the executive, Guests joining us today. South Africa has continued
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks on the occasion of State Visit by Guinea-Bissau President Embaló, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 28 April 2022 Your Excellency, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Honourable Ministers, Senior Officials, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I welcome you and your esteemed delegation to our country on the occasion
Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Plenary Session of the South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission, 22 April 2022, Pretoria Your Excellency, My Dear Brother, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Honourable Ministers, Our respective High Commissioners, Senior Government Officials, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellency, I am pleased to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. It is
Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Plenary Session of the Fifth South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission, 22 April 2022 Your Excellency, My Dear Brother, President Masisi, Ministers, High Commissioners, Colleagues and Friends, We have come to the end of our bilateral discussions, which have been frank and cordial in equal measure. We remain forever grateful for the strong ties
Opening Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor on the occasion of the Ministerial Session of the Fifth Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Botswana, Pretoria, 21 April 2022 Your Excellency and Dear Brother, Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Ministers, and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Senior
Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor, Dinner hosted by the Charlotte Maxeke Institute, Saturday, 9 April 2022 Your Excellencies, The Family of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen It is a great privilege for me to address you at this special dinner hosted by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute in honor of the work that is being done by the Department of International Relations
Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, during the Media Briefing on the Russia / Ukraine Conflict, 08 April 2022 Members of the media, We thought it useful for us to engage with you on South Africa’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine to date. Yesterday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to suspend Russia
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, on the Resolution to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, 07 April 2022 Mr President, South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of lives and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. We reiterate our view, that as a matter of urgency, there must be a cessation
Address by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to the South African Heads of Mission Conference, 7 April 2022 Programme Director, Deputy Minister Botes, Your Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini, Director-General, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Colleagues, I would like to warmly welcome you to the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference, the first since the onset of
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African Heads of Mission Conference, 7 April 2022 Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini and Mr Alvin Botes, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Zane Dangor, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Consuls-General, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning,
Parliamentary Debate Speech for the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, for Parliamentary Debate on Russia – Ukraine Crisis, Tuesday, 15 March 2022 After the democratic elections in 1994, South Africa ceased to be the pariah of the world; it regained its rightful place in Africa, in the United Nations and in the family of nations. We emerged as a
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor at the Ministerial Third Session Bi-National Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Mozambique in Pretoria (08 – 11 March 2022) 10 March 2022 Minister Veronica Mocamo-Ndhlovu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique, Honourable Ministers of the Republic of Mozambique and
46th Session of the Human Rights Council, South Africa’s Statement for the High-Level Segment, Geneva, 28 February 2022 Mr President, Excellencies and participants, It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be addressing you today. I bring you warm greetings from the Government and the people of South Africa. This 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council takes place
Closing Remarks by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, on the conclusion of the Second South Africa – Ireland JCC, 22 February 2022 Your Excellency, I thank you for the fruitful and frank deliberations today. We have come to the formal conclusion of the Second Session of the South Africa-Ireland JCC and exchanged views on a
Welcome Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of Ubuntu Awards 2022, 12 February 2022 Programme Directors, Ministers present here tonight, My sister Ms. Sophie Wilmès, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Belgium, The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Members of Parliament, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Captains
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the end-of-year Media Briefing, 14 December 2021 Thank you, Programme Director, Deputy Ministers Mashego-Dlamini and Botes, Members of the media, This briefing is being held to provide you with an overview of work done in implementing South Africa’s foreign policy in 2021. This is the second year in
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Joint Press Briefing with President Mohammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1 December 2021 President Muhammadu Buhari, High Commissioners, Ministers, Members of the media, Allow me to express my gratitude to President Buhari and the Government of Nigeria for receiving us so warmly in Abuja. I think it is important that I emphasise
Remarks by Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini at the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, Dakar, Senegal, 30 November 2021 Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, HE Aissata Tall Sall, Honourable Foreign Minister and State Councillor, of the People’s Republic of China, HE WANG Yi, Honourable Ministers and heads of delegation, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to commence by expressing my
Statement by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the 45th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Member States of the Group of 77, 30 November 2021 Programme Director, Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guinea, and Chairperson of Member States of the Group of 77, Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General
Opening Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic South Africa, at the Ministerial Meeting, Tenth Session of the Nigeria – South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Monday, 29 November 2021 My Dear Brother, Honourable Minister Onyeama, Honourable Ministers, Esteemed Co-Chairs of the Senior Officials Meeting, Ambassador Losi and Aduda,
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South Africa – Kenya Business Forum during the State Visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, CSIR Conference Centre, Tshwane, 23 November 2021 Your Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Honourable Ministers, Business Leaders, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, We gather here today to celebrate the promise of the relationship between our two great nations that spans over
Remarks by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of Engagement with the Resident Heads of Mission from Europe and Americas, 10 November 2021 Program Director; Your Excellency, The Dean of the European Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Beka Dvali of Georgia; The Dean of the Americas and Mercosur Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Mairin Josefina Morena of Venezuela; Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Introductory Remarks by Minister Pandor on the occasion of the Briefing to the Portfolio Committee on the Annual Reports for 2020/2021 of the Department and the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund, 10 November 2021 Honourable Chairperson, Honorable Members, Thank you for the invitation to present the Annual Reports for 2020/2021 of the Department and the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF).
Statement by Ambassador NN Mxakato-Diseko, Deputy Director-General, Global Governance and Continental Agenda, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Opening Session of the Fifth Conference of States Parties to the Pelindaba Treaty (African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty), Thursday, 21 October 2021 Chairperson of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), Adv Doctor Mashabane, Vice Chairperson of AFCONE, Mr Hadjaro Adam, Commissioners of AFCONE, Executive
Statement by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the High-Level Commemorative Meeting to Mark the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, 12 October 2021 HE Mr Aleksander Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia and co-host of this commemorative meeting, HE Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement,
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, on the occasion of the High-Level Meeting on the Commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, 28 September 2021 Mr Abdulla Shahid, President of the General Assembly, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Eight years ago, in December
Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the Official Opening of the South African Cultural Centre in New York, USA, on 23rd September 2021 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for finding time to be with us on this special evening in these new premises of both the South African Consulate in New York as well as the
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, on the occasion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Article XIV Conference, 23 September 2021 Your Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, South Africa welcomes the convening of the Article XIV Conference to encourage ratification and universalisation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This Conference is as an opportunity for the international community
Statement by Her Excellency Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, on the occasion of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, 23 September 2021 Mr Abdulla Shahid, President of the General Assembly, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa is pleased to participate in the UN Food Systems Summit, and we
Statement by HE Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 23 September 2021 President of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, Mr Abdulla Shahid, Secretary General, Mr António Guterres, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Colleagues, Friends, We join today’s General
Intervention by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the High-Level UN General Assembly Roundtable Meeting to commemorate the Twentieth Anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, 22 September 2021 Excellencies, South Africa is pleased that we are commemorating the 20th
Statement by President Ramaphosa on the occasion of the High-Level Meeting on the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, 22 September 2021 President of the General Assembly, Mr Abdulla Shahid, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is 20 years since the world
Speaking Notes for Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the official hand-over of the Science laboratory and library at Siqongweni Senior Secondary School at Imbali Township in Pietermaritzburg on 11 September 2021 MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Kwazi Mshengu, Huawei South Africa CEO, Mr Spawn Fan, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Chen Xiadong, Principal of the Siqongweni School,
Remarks by Minister Pandor on occasion of the launch of the Charlotte Maxeke African Women’s Economic Justice and Rights Initiative, 23 August 2021 Excellences, The family of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, Distinguished guest, Ladies and gentlemen, It is a great honor for me to address you today on such a historic occasion when we launch the Charlotte Maxeke African Women’s Economic Justice and Rights Initiative.
Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the Annual Observance of the Nelson Mandela International Day, 21 July 2021, New York, UN General Assembly Hall Your Excellency, Mr Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Distinguished Excellencies, Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Statement by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement under the Theme: “Non-Aligned Movement at the Centre of Multilateral Efforts in responding Global Challenges,” 13-14 July 2021 Chairperson, Excellencies, Delegates, I thank you for convening this online Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned
President Cyril Ramaphosa remarks at the G7 Leaders’ Summit session on building back stronger-health, 13 June 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Your Excellencies, South Africa commends the G7 and other countries present for the collective action taken to overcome the current global health crisis and the commitment to create a better, greener and more prosperous world. Ending the pandemic must be our
Deputy Minister Alvin Botes Debate on the Presidency Budget Vote, Parliament, Cape Town, 2 June 2021 Advancing the African agenda and seeking a Better World House Chair, President Ramaphosa, Deputy President Mabuza, Honourable Members, On this 2nd day of Youth month this speech is dedicated to the memory of my former colleague and youthful firebrand, the late Deputy Minister of Minerals and
Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Minister’s Dinner with Heads of Mission from the Asia and Middle East Region resident in Pretoria, 3 June 2021 Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chargés d’Affaires, Ms Sindi Mququ, Acting Deputy Director-General: Asia and Middle East, Senior Managers of the Department, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure and honour for me
Contribution to the Joint Sitting by Dr GNM Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Debate on the 25th Anniversary of the Constitution, 28 May 2021 ‘On twenty-five years of our Constitution’ Honourable deputy speaker, honourable members I thank the ANC Chief Whip for giving the rare privilege of participating in this debate commemorating twenty five years since the adoption of the
Media Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Budget Vote in Parliament on 20 May 2021 Members of the media, The theme Our theme for this year’s budget vote is “Building Back Better, Honouring the Legacy of Charlotte Maxeke”. Our Government declared 2021, the year of Charlotte Maxeke. Our theme, therefore,
Statement by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 20 May 2021 House Chair Minister of DIRCO, Dr Pandor Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini Chair of the Portfolio Committee, Honourable Mahambehlala Honourable Members Diplomatic Community Ladies and gentlemen The values that inspire and guide South Africa
Statement by Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 20 May 2021 Thank you, House Chair Minister Pandor Chair of the Portfolio Committee, Honourable Mahambehlala Honourable Members Ladies and gentlemen Honourable House Chair During this financial year, DIRCO will focus on the following objectives,
Budget Speech by Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on 20 May 2021 Topic: Building back better, to advance the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke Chairperson Members of the Executive Honourable Members Guests joining us today We return to Parliament for this Budget Vote debate following an unexpectedly tumultuous financial year. While we have made every effort to act on
Statement by Ambassador Mathu Joyini, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine Question, 16 May 2021 Mr President, we thank the People’s Republic of China for convening this emergency meeting on the escalation of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the Symposium focusing on the role South Africa plays in fostering multilateralism in Africa and the rest of the world on Wednesday, 12 May 2021 Professor Sibongile Muthwa, Vice Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, Professor Thandi MGWEBI, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Mkize, Discussion facilitator, Professor MASEKO, Dean of Humanities, Dr Sithembile
Statement by HE Deputy Minister Alvin Botes during the virtual commemoration of the entry into force, of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 22 January 2021 Chairperson, Excellences, and Distinguished participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my honour and great pleasure to address you today on this momentous occasion and to, on behalf of the Government and the People of the Republic
Opening Remarks by the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, delivered during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, on 3 – 4 February 2021 Your Excellency, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Faki Moussa Mahamat; Your Excellencies, Members of the Executive Council; Commissioners
Statement on virtual Cabinet Meeting of 10 February 2021 A. ISSUES IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1. State of the Nation Address (SoNA) 1.1. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2021 SoNA on Thursday, 11 February 2021 from 19:00. The SoNA comes at a time when we all have to stand together to overcome the impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, improve the
Speech by Minister Naledi Pandor on the occasion of the Parliamentary Debate on the Cuban doctors in South Africa, 04 March 2021 Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Honourable Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Honourable Members, Colleagues, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to be part of this debate, which reaffirms the moral value of the revolutionary and
Statement by Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the importance of upholding the principles of self-determination and non-discrimination: Justice for the Palestinian People, 8 June 2021 Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Affairs Minister of the State of Palestine, Fellow panellists, Ladies
Address by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Chatham House London Virtual Engagement, 20 January 2021 Head of Chatham House Africa Programme, Dr Alex Vine, Your Excellency, High Commissioner Tambo, Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Audience, Ladies and gentlemen, Theme: ‘South Africa’s Foreign Policy: Reflections on the United Nations
Welcoming Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the virtual Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week 2020, 19 January 2021 Programme Director, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Compliments of the new season to you all! I would also like to welcome you to PIDA week 2020. We are brought together today by commitment to our
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, 11 January 2021 Fellow South Africans, We are now 11 days into a new year. Once again, I wish you all the very best for 2021. We enter this year with a great deal of hope – hope that we will restore our nation to
Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Briefing & Consultations on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, 21 December 2020 Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I would like to address you in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations. The
Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Consultations on United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 21 December 2020 Ladies and gentlemen of the media. I would like to make a statement in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations. The Security Council
Remarks by the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H E Dr GNM Pandor, during the 20th Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting on 17 December 2020 Your Highness, Chair of IORA, Honourable Ministers, Senior Officials, 2020 has been an extra-ordinary year and the Chair has successfully led IORA by ensuring we complete our 2020 programme. COVID-19 has changed all our lives, but what
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Media Briefing on International Developments for the year 2020, 14 December 2020 1. Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on all of our lives during this past year. It has affected the way we live, the way we work and the way we interact with
Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Working Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, to South Africa on Monday, 14 December 2020 Your Highness, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi
A3+1 Joint Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Security Council Briefing on MONUSCO, 07 December 2020 Excellencies, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia + St Vincent and the Grenadines. Before delivering this statement, let
Statement delivered by Minister Pandor during the Virtual Meeting of the 13th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on the AfCFTA held on 5 December 2020 Your Excellency, President Ramaphosa, the Chairperson of the African Union, Your Majesties, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Excellencies and Heads of Delegations, Excellency, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Distinguished Guests,
Speaking Notes for Media Stakeout on outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency, 1 – 4 December 2020 Members of the Press, I thank you for taking the time to attend to this press briefing on the outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency of the Security Council for the first week, 1-4 December. A few days ago, I briefed you on the elective meetings and outcomes South Africa
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, during UN Security Council High-Level Debate on the cooperation between the UN and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations, 4 December 2020 Members of the Security Council, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Invited Member States, It is an honour for South Africa to preside over this meeting as our term as an elected member of the
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the General Debate of the 31st UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19, UN Headquarters, New York, 3 December 2020 Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly, Mr Volkan Bozkir, Excellencies, We meet in this important Special Session of the UN General Assembly at a time when the Coronavirus
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on Security Sector Governance and Reform, 3 December 2020 Fellow members of the Security Council, Assistant Secretaries-General, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Invited Member States, South Africa is honoured to preside over this meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Security Sector Governance
Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister Botes on the occasion of the Virtual Meeting with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Portugal, 01 December 2020 Your Excellency, the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Portugal, Ms Teresa Ribeiro, The Ambassador of Portugal to South Africa, Ambassador Carvalho, Distinguished Members of the South African
Virtual Lecture by Minister GNM Pandor on the “BRICS Approach to the Post-COVID-19 Recovery”, on 1 December 2020 at 17h00 Honourable Chairperson of the South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT), Prof. Siphamandla Zondi, Distinguished delegates of the SABTT and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), Ladies and gentlemen, At the outset, allow me to thank the South African BRICS Think Tank
Remarks by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 30 November 2020 Programme Director, Your Excellency, Ambassador Hanan Jarrar, Your Excellency, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Bene M’Poko, Your Excellency, Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Mubarak
Speaking Notes of Minister Dr GNM Pandor on the occasion of the Virtual Meeting on “Violence and Harassment in the World of Work”, 30 November 2020 Honorable Minister, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to participate in this Webinar focusing on violence and harassment in the world of work. Violence and harassment in the world of work deprive employees of their dignity and
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Political and Humanitarian Situation in Syria, 25 November 2020 Thank you, Madame President, I thank Ms Khawla Matar (Deputy Special Envoy); and Mr Ramesh Rajasingham (Acting Under-Secretary-General; and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator) for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. South Africa would
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 24 November 2020 Madame President, We thank the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in the efforts of the Special Representative. Madame
A3 + 1 Joint Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila of the Permanent Mission of South Africa, to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Somalia, 23 November 2020 Madame President, I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on the situation in Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of
Speaking Notes for Ms Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on the occasion of a Webinar on the importance of Cultural Diplomacy in SADC Integration, 20 November 2020, Ubuntu Radio Programme Director, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, The CEO of Freedom Park; The South African Heritage Ambassador; Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great privilege for me to host this auspicious
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru, 20 November 2020 My Dear Sister, Honourable Minister, Matšepo Molise-Ramakoae, Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Senior Officials from our respective Governments, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon,
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 18 November 2020 Thank you, Madame President, Let me begin by expressing my deepest sadness at the passing of Dr Saeb Erekat. The people of South Africa extend their sincere condolences
Opening Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Third South Africa Investment Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 18 November 2020 Programme Director, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Third South Africa Investment Conference. I would like to extend a particular welcome to those delegates from the SA Tomorrow Conference who are joining us from the African
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the 44th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Member States of the Group of 77, 12 November 2020 Programme Director, HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and, Chairperson of Member States of the Group of 77, Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister for
Opening Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor on occasion of the Political Consultations with the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madame Marie Ntumba Nzeza, on 10 November 2020, Cape Town Your Excellency and Dear Sister, Minister Tumba Nzeza, Honourable Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dear
Recorded Statement by the African Union Chair and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the occasion of the High-Level event on reinforcing Multilateralism, 10 November 2020 Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, South Africa is honoured to participate in this high-level event in support of multilateralism. As the countries of the world we have committed to the
Statement delivered by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, during the UN Security Council High-Level Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity, 3 November 2020 Mr President and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Your Excellency Ralph Gonsalves, thank you for convening this meeting. Your Excellencies, Ms Amina
Panel Discussion Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of DIRCO-UN Webinar United Nations Day commemoration: “The importance of multilateralism in building back better for a post-COVID-19 world”, 30 October 2020 On 24 October, South Africa joined the international community in observing United Nations (UN) Day, which marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the
Welcome Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of DIRCO-UN Webinar United Nations Day commemoration: “The importance of multilateralism in building back better for a post-COVID-19 world”, Friday, 30 October 2020 UN Resident Coordinator Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Prof Tawana Kupe, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Pretoria, Ms Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive of the South African Institute of International
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference (VTC) Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, 29 October 2020 Mr President, We thank Secretary-General, António Guterres, for his statement and welcome the briefings from Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women, Ms Danai Gurira; Sexual
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 26 October 2020 Thank you, Mr President for giving me the floor. We express our appreciation to Deputy Minister Vershinin for chairing our meeting. Allow me to take this opportunity to
Message by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of United Nations Day, Saturday, 24 October 2020 I am really pleased to have this opportunity to deliver this message of commemoration on United Nations Day, in celebration of this important anniversary. Today, we join the international community in celebrating a significant anniversary of the founding of the United Nations,
Statement by Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, during the Security Council High-Level Debate on a Comprehensive Review of the situation in the Gulf Region, 20 October 2020 Mr President, South Africa wishes to commend the Russian Federation for your stewardship of the Security Council for the month of October and I thank you, Minister Lavrov,
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 15 October 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths; as well as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, for their briefings. South Africa continues to support Special Envoy Griffiths in his search for a peaceful solution to
Opening Remarks prepared for the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 13 to 14 October 2020 Excellency, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Faki Moussa Mahamat Excellencies, Members of the Executive Council, The Deputy-Chairperson of
Intervention by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, on Item 2: The Commonwealth Response to Global Challenges on the occasion of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Meeting, 14 October 2020 Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Developmental Affairs of the United Kingdom, Mr Dominic Raab, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, Foreign Affairs Ministers, High Commissioners and Distinguished Guests,
Statement by HE Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM on the sidelines of UNGA75 under the theme: “Bandung+65: more relevant, united and effective NAM against emerging global challenges, including COVID-19”, 9 October 2020 Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Delegates: I thank
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines & South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on the Democratic Republic of The Congo, 6 October 2020 Mr President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia +
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Syria – Chemical Weapons, 5 October 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Ms Izumi Nakamitsu (High Representative for Disarmament Affairs) for her briefing. South Africa strongly supports multilateralism and the international rule of law, which includes the non-discriminatory and consistent application of the provisions of
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks to the United Nations General Assembly: High-Level Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, 2 October 2020 Mr President, For as long as nuclear weapons exist, humankind will continue to face the threat of catastrophe. It is impossible to imagine that there could be any acceptable justification within established international norms for the
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Remarks to United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, 1 October 2020 Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, we can say that we have come a long way. The material conditions of the world’s women have vastly improved, as has access to
Briefing Statement on the re-opening of the borders and ports of entry for international travellers, Wednesday, 30 September 2020 Fellow South Africans, esteemed travellers and visitors to our beloved country and members of the media, thank you for allowing us, the Ministers tasked with immigration, tourism, health, transport and international relations and cooperation the opportunity to come before you to explain and to give necessary
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address on the occasion of a virtual UNGA75 Summit on Biodiversity, 30 September 2020 Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, The Ccoronavirus pandemic has had badly affected the ability of national economies to respond to challenges like environmental degradation and climate change. But even as we prioritise economic revival and reconstruction, we must maintain our collective commitment to environmental conservation. This is
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 29 September 2020 Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator, Mladenov, for his useful and frank briefing on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr President, during the recently held
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address to the virtual High-Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the era of COVID-19, 29 September 2020 Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, As we begin the task of reconstruction in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, financing for development becomes all the more critical. The overarching principle of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on UNITAMS, 25 September 2020 Mr President, I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the African Countries, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia as well as St Vincent and Grenadines
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the Alliance for Multilateralism themed: “Our Commitment and Contribution to Building Back Better”, 25 September 2020 Distinguished Delegates, South Africa welcomes this discussion and hopes all of us will continue to ensure our global collaboration does serve the greater good. Africa has been severely impacted by the pandemic
Statement by HE Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, during the Security Council Meeting on the Global Order post COVID-19, 24 September 2020 Mr President, Allow me to begin by congratulating the Republic of Niger on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council. Please be assured of South Africa’s full support and cooperation. The threat to lives, livelihoods and social stability
Remarks by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the High Level virtual Panel G7 Partnership for African Women’s Financial Inclusion, 23 September 2020 Your Excellencies, As South Africa and as Chair of the African Union we fully support the G7 Partnership for Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion in Africa. By giving women the tools to become financially secure and independent, we are investing in a society
Address by President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the 75th United Nations General Assembly Debate, 22 September 2020 President of the General Assembly, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Seventy-five years ago the United Nations was established to introduce a new world order to achieve peace in the world. It was the dawn of a new era
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 75th Commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly, 21 September 2020 Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa is honoured to participate in this virtual commemoration of the establishment of the United Nations. Seventy-five years ago the UN Charter was signed by pioneering men and women determined to save successive generations from the scourge of war. The
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Political situation in Syria, 18 September 2020 Mr President, let me begin by thanking Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, for his comprehensive briefing today and congratulate him and his office for successfully holding the third round of discussions of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. South
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the virtual High Level Meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Moment, 18 September 2020 Mr Secretary-General, Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa welcomes this opportunity to engage on accelerated global action towards sustainable development. As we do so, we face the reality that the immense resources we have directed to fighting the Coronavirus
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Protecting Civilians affected by Conflict Induced Hunger, 17 September 2020 Mr President, Thank you for convening this briefing to address conflict induced hunger. I would also like to thank the Under Secretary-General of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock; the Director-General
Statement by HE Ambassador J M Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Open Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting of the United Nations Security Council titled, “Humanitarian Effects of Environmental Degradation and Peace and Security”, New York, 17 September 2020 Mr President, Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to
Online Lecture at the WITS School of Governance on the theme ‘South Africa’s place in the changing Global Order’ delivered by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, 16 September 2020 Programme Director, Vice Chancellor, Wits University, Professor Adam Habib, Head of School: Wits School of Governance, Professor Mzukisi Qobo, Members of the University Council, Staff of the Wits School of Governance, Your
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 15 September 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) Under Secretary-General, Mark Lowcock, for their briefings. South Africa reiterates its support to Special Envoy Griffiths in his quest for a peaceful solution
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines & South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on Peacekeeping Operations, 14 September 2020 Mr President, This statement is delivered on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa (the A3+1). We thank you for scheduling this annual meeting on
Speech delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes (MP), at the handover ceremony of the United Kingdom Government donation to the Solidarity Fund on Monday, 14 September 2020 British High Commissioner, Mr Casey, Solidarity Fund Chairperson, Ms Serobe, Solidarity Fund Chief Executive, Ms Nkweni, Fellow National Executive Committee member and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Gina, Ladies and
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting on Syria – Chemical Weapons, 10 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Allow me to thank Ms Izumi Nakamitzu (High Representative for Disarmament Affairs) for her briefing to the Security Council, and the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (the OPCW) for his 83rd
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the implementation of Resolution 2532 (COVID-19 Pandemic), 9 September 2020 Mr President, I thank you for convening this meeting to allow the Security Council to be informed on the implementation of Resolution 2532 (2020). I would also like to thank the Under Secretary-General for Political
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations: Role of the International Organisation of the Francophonie, 8 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I wish to extend our appreciation to HE Mr Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Thursday, 3 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President. I wish to thank Ms Deborah Lyons (Special Representative and Head of UNAMA) and Mr Saad Mohseni (Chief Executive of the MOBY Group) for their insightful briefings. Welcome also to you Ambassador Raz and thank you for your statement. Let me
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), 2 September 2020 Mr President, I thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms Stephanie Williams, for her statement as well as the Chair of the 1970 Committee, Ambassador Günter Sautter for his briefing. Allow
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 27 August 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I would like to thank Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Ramesh Rajasingham, for his frank and insightful briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. I also extend South Africa’s sincere gratitude
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 26 August 2020 Mr President, We thank the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in your efforts. Mr President, South Africa supports the mandate of
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the UNSC Briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts – Isil/Da’esh Strategic Report, 24 August 2020 Mr President, We congratulate Indonesia on its successful Presidency of the Security Council and thank the briefers for their insightful perspectives on the Secretary-General’s Eleventh Strategic-Level Report on the threat posed
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, 15 August 2020 My fellow South Africans, It has been five months since we declared a national state of disaster to combat to the coronavirus pandemic. As I said then, and as I repeat now, never before in the history of our democracy has our country been confronted with
Mr President, South Africa views the JCPOA as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We believe it is an exemplar of collective action to consolidate peace through cooperation and collaboration on the basis of a binding agreement, and therefore, its preservation and implementation should be foremost. We
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 July 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking, Mr Mark Lowcock (Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs) for his frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank Ms Amany
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 28 July 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths; Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, Gen. Abhijit Guha; Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA), Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Ramesh Rajasingham; Chairperson of the Arab Human Rights Foundation, Dr Raja
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Climate and Security, 24 July 2020 Mr President, We thank the Secretary-General as well as the briefers for their contribution on this matter. South Africa’s strong commitment to a collective, multilateral response to
My fellow South Africans, I wish to address you this evening on two matters that are of great interest and concern to South Africans as we struggle to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic. The first issue is the re-opening of schools and the second is the management of the resources that we have dedicated towards the fight against COVID-19. Since I last addressed
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 21 July 2020 We wish to welcome the participation of Mr Miguel Berger, the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, in today’s meeting on the situation in
Statement of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations Security Council regarding the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Conflict by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, 17 July 2020 Mr President, I would like to thank the Federal Republic of Germany for convening today’s open debate on women, peace, and security: sexual violence
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the Nelson Mandela Day Outreach Programme and Virtual Celebration, 17 July 2020 Programme Director, South African Ambassador to South Korea, Princess Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mr Sello Hatang, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my singular honour to participate in this year’s
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the 2020 Report of the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel for every Woman, Every Child, 13 July 2020 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event, which addresses some of the most important issues facing humanity today. The Coronavirus pandemic is testing the social, economic and political
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference (VTC) Security Council Meeting on Peace Operations and Human Rights, 7 July 2020 Mr President, The Minister of Defence of Germany, HE Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, it is an honour to have you, your Excellency Chair this debate. We view this debate as important not only
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa, during the Security Council Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Peace and Security, 2 July 2020 I thank the President, Minister Heiko Maas, for convening this briefing on the maintenance of peace and security focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. I also thank
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Implementation of Resolution 2231, 30 June 2020 Mr President, South Africa continues to welcome the JCPOA as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation, since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The JCPOA remains
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 June 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Allow me to thank the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock, for his timely briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also take note of the
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, 29 June 2020 Mr President, We thank Under-Secretary General, Rosemary DiCarlo, for her briefing and we welcome the participation of the representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in our discussions today. Mr
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council Meeting on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 25 June 2020 Thank you, Madam President, We wish to welcome Ms Deborah Lyons (Special Representative and Head of UNAMA) to the Council and thank her for her briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the
A3+1 Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), 24 June 2020 Mr President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Tunisia, South Africa, Niger and St Vincent and the Grenadines. We would like to
Statement by HE Mr A Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the Question of Palestine, Wednesday, 24 June 2020 Mr President, Allow me to express my gratitude to you for calling this session today. Our deliberations should by no means be seen as business as usual. In this regard, I
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), 23 June 2020 Madam President, My delegation would like to express its gratitude to you for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank the briefers, Mr David Shearer, SRSG for South Sudan and Mr Edmund
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Video Teleconference Briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 18 June 2020 Mr President, At the outset, I would like to thank France for convening this meeting on refugees, which is timely as we will be observing World Refugee Day, this coming Saturday, on
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political situation in Syria, 16 June 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Allow me to begin by thanking Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen and Ms Noura Ghazi for their briefings today. The Syrian civil war has been raging for
Statement by Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the situation in Mali and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, 11 June 2020 Mr President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Yves Le Drian, for convening
Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), 08 June 2020 Mr President, At the outset I wish to thank the President and Prosecutor for their comprehensive reports. The Mechanism is carrying out commendable work and has undertaken significant efforts to improve the functioning of the Mechanism
A3+1 Statement on Peacekeeping delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, 04 June 2020 Mr President, I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on Peacekeeping Operations when the world is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the challenge of implementation of the mandates of these missions
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 27 May 2020 Mr President, It has been an honour to have H.E. Ms Kaljulaid, the President of the Republic of Estonia, address the Council today. I wish to thank the Secretary-General, Mr
A3+1 Statement on Somalia delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, 21 May 2020 Mr President, I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1, namely Niger, South Africa, Tunisia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. At
Speaking Notes by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on Repatriations of South Africans stranded abroad, 21 May 2020 Following the declaration of the State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which saw South Africa implementing the national lockdown on 26 March 2020, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has facilitated the repatriation of 5 239 South Africans
Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa: Africa Dialogue Series 2020: COVID-19 and Silencing the Guns in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities: 20 May 2020 Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Deputy Secretary-General, President of the UN General Assembly, AU Commissioners, The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, The Executive Director for UN Women,
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on Venezuela, 20 May 2020 Mr President, We thank you for convening this meeting and thank Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo, for her informative briefing. I will focus my intervention today on three issues, namely, the political situation, humanitarian situation and the exacerbating impact of
Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 19 May 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Lowcock for his comprehensive and frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Let me take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of humanitarian
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on the situation in Libya, 19 May 2020 Mr President, Allow me to thank Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL) in Libya, Ms Stephanie Williams, for her detailed briefing on the latest political,
Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference on the Political situation in Syria, 18 May 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing on the political situation in Syria. South Africa welcomes the relative calm across Syria and commends the parties
Remarks by the President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Chair, HE Cyril Ramaphosa, during the 73rd Session of the World Health Assembly, 18 May 2020 President of the 73rd World Health Assembly, Her Excellency Ms Keva Bain, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to address the World
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 14 May 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings. South Africa echoes its support for your efforts Special Envoy in seeking a
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 12 May 2020 Mr President, We thank the Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her insightful briefing. South Africa supports the mandate renewal of UNAMI, in its current form, as it partners with the Government of
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open VTC Meeting on Bosnia & Herzegovina, 6 May 2020 Mr President, We would like to thank the High-Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Valentin Inzko, for the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country. The
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the International Criminal Court and the Situation in Libya, 05 May 2020 Mr President, South Africa expresses its appreciation to the Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda, for her briefing provided today on the situation in Libya. South Africa continues to support the implementation of
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Thank you also Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I would like to also thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his comprehensive briefing on the political situation in Syria. Political situation South Africa is encouraged that
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Stabilisation Force in Abyei (UNISFA), 28 April 2020 Mr President, I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to you for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Mr Lacroix, as well as Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council VTC Meeting on Venezuela, 28 April 2020 Mr President, Thank you for convening this video-teleconference (VTC) meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Venezuela. We welcome Ms Reena Ghelani, Director of Operations of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and thank
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UNSC VTC Open Meeting entitled: “Towards the 5th Anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: Accelerating Implementation of Resolution 2250 and 2419”, 27 April 2020 Mr President, At the outset, I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Antonio Gueterres, and our excellent trio
Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the arrival of Cuban Medical Brigade at Waterkloof Air Force Base, 26 April 2020 Programme Director, Your Excellency Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Honourable Ministers of Defence and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Deputy Minister of Health, Estimados Camaradas, nuestros hermanos y hermanas Cubanos, (Comrades, our Cuban brothers and sisters),
A3+1 Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on the Transition of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), 24 April 2020 Mr President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1 member states of the Council namely Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Thursday, 23 April 2020 Thank you, Mr President Allow me to begin by reiterating South Africa’s position on the situation between Palestine and Israel. We will continue to support all efforts
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on South Africa’s response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 23 April 2020 My Fellow South Africans, It has been exactly seven weeks since the first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in our country. Since then, all our lives have changed in fundamental ways. As a nation we have been forced to take aggressive action
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on Protecting Civilians affected by Conflict Induced Hunger, 21 April 2020 Mr President, At the outset, South Africa wishes to thank the Dominican Republic for convening this briefing to address the link between hunger and conflict. We thank the Director-General of the
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 16 April 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and OCHA Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, for their briefings. South Africa continues to reiterate its support to the Special Envoy and applauds his efforts to find a peaceful solution to
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Consultations regarding Syria-Chemical Weapons, 15 April 2020 Let me begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, for a detailed and factual briefing. We would also like to thank the Director-General of the OPCW for his 78th monthly report and have
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on COVID-19, 9 April 2020 Mr President, I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and informative briefing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the issues that fall under the mandate of the Council. At the outset, South Africa would like
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Closed Security Council VTC Meeting on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 9 April 2020 Mr. President, Thank you for convening this timely briefing on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). We also wish to thank the
Message by President Cyril Ramaphosa on COVID-19 Pandemic, Thursday, 9 April 2020 My Fellow South Africans, At midnight tonight, it will be exactly two weeks since our country entered into an unprecedented nation-wide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. During the course of these last two weeks, your lives have been severely disrupted, you have suffered great hardship and endured
Speaking Notes for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Press Briefing on South Africa’s Response to COVID-19 pandemic – 31 March 2020 South Africans stranded Abroad The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and is giving rise to problems and challenges that governments across the world are struggling to deal with. Over the last two months the world has
Message by President Cyril Ramaphosa on COVID-19 pandemic, 30 March 2020 My Fellow South Africans, Good evening, It is now four days since our country went into a nation-wide lockdown for the first time in the history of our democracy. This is an extreme measure we had to embark upon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As government, we are aware that
Remarks delivered by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Presidential Inauguration and 30-Years Anniversary Celebration of the Independence of the Republic of Namibia, 21 March 2020 Your Excellency, Dr Hage Geingob, Excellencies, Heads of State and government, Honourable Ministers, High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, I am
Speech by Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini at the Symposium on SA’s chairing of the African Union, University of Venda, 13 March 2020 Programme Director, The Vice Chancellor, The Chairperson of Council, The University Administration, Student and Staff, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, let me thank the organisers of this all-important event which is aimed at reflecting on South Africa’s current Chairship
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Inaugural Meeting of the African Union Contact Group on Libya, Oyo, Republic of Congo, 12 March 2020 Your Excellency, President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, Chairperson of the AU High-level Committee on Libya and the AU Contact Group on Libya, Your Excellency, President Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, Your Excellency Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), 4 March 2020 Mr President, We would like to thank you for convening today’s important meeting. We would also like to thank SRSG, Mr David Shearer, for his briefing today and also commend him and
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Iraq, 03 March 2020 Mr President, We thank the Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. Iraq has been ravaged by numerous cycles of conflict, crippling sectarianism and, most destructively, the threat
Statement by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, at the Briefing of the Security Council on Non-Proliferation: supporting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ahead of the 2020 Review Conference, 26 February 2020 We thank Under Secretary General Izumi Nakamitsu and the President of the NPT Review Conference, Gustavo Zlauvinen, for their briefings.
Statement by HE Deputy Minister Alvin Botes to the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament, 26 February 2020 Thank you, Mr President, for the opportunity to address this august body. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, During 2020 we will be commemorating a number of milestones including the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes to the Ambassadors of the African Group of the UN Human Rights Council, 25 February 2020, Geneva Your Excellency Chair of the African Group, the Ambassador of Congo-Brazzaville, Your Excellency the Ambassador of the African Union, Your Excellency the Coordinator of the African Group, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso, Excellencies and Distinguished Representatives here present, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Statement by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes during the Panel Discussion commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women: “Accelerating the Commitments of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action”, Geneva, 25 February 2020 Madam President, South Africa appreciates the efforts of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in initiating this dialogue at
South African Statement on the High-Level Mainstreaming Panel under the theme “Thirty Years of Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Challenges and Opportunities”, HRC43, Geneva, 24 February 2020 Mr President, In 2019, South Africa joined other member states in various commemorative events in New York and Geneva celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the
Statement by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes during the High-Level Panel National Statement during the 43rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 24 February 2020 Madam President, The President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Michelle Bachelet, Honourable Ministers and
Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Bilateral Consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Prof Augusto Santos Silva, 21 February 2020, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria Your Excellency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Prof Augusto Santos Silva, The Ambassador of Portugal to South Africa, Ambassador Carvalho. Distinguished Members of the
Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Briefing on the Political Situation in Syria, Wednesday, 19 February 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his informative briefing on the political situation in Syria. I would also like to express South Africa’s full support for Special
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 18 February 2020 Mr President, We thank the Special Envoy Martin Griffiths (VTC), USG Lowcock (OCHA) and Ambassador King as Chair of the Yemen sanctions committee for their briefings. South Africa continues to reiterate our support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Ukraine, 18 February 2020 Mr President, Thank you for facilitating today’s discussion as per the Russian Federation’s letter dated 13 April 2014. We thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Rosemary DiCarlo; Ms Heidi Grau, Special Representative of the Organization
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Annual Ubuntu Awards 2020, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, 15 February 2020 Programme Directors, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Esteemed Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Leaders of the business community, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is always a privilege to attend these awards, which
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Tuesday, 11 February 2020 South Africa welcomes the President of the State of Palestine, H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas, to the Security Council and thanks him for his impassioned statement as
Acceptance Statement by South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa on assuming the Chair of the African Union for 2020, 33rd Session of the African Union Assembly, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 09 February 2020 Excellencies, Your Excellency, President El-Sisi, outgoing Chair of the African Union, Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Your Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Your Excellency,
Acceptance Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government, 8 February 2020 Your Excellency President Idriss Deby, President of the Republic of Chad, Your Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Members of delegations present here today, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Keynote Address by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Book Launch of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), Pretoria, 03 February 2020 The Programme Director, The Executive Director of MISTRA, Mr Joel Netshitenzhe, MISTRA Board of Advisors and Advisory Council, The Management Committee of MISTRA, The Editors of and Contributors to the Book Project, MISTRA Staff, Distinguished Guests,
Remarks by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, at the Lunch of the African Heads of Diplomatic Mission on 29 January 2020 at the Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria Programme Director, The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Bene Lofongo M’Poko, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of Mission, It is a great honour that I speak here today on behalf of
Welcome Remarks by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Dr Naledi Pandor, at the DIRCO-Hosted Africa Heads of Mission Conference, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, 28 January 2020 Your Excellencies, the Ministers, Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Co-operation, Director General, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for joining us for this preparatory session on the historic leadership role our
Closing Remarks by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mashego-Dlamini, at the DIRCO-Hosted Africa Heads of Mission Conference, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, 28 January 2020 Ministers Present, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Mr Botes, Director General, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you very much for this rewarding exercise that opened up a useful platform for the
Keynote Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African Heads of Mission accredited to African Countries Conference, OR Tambo Conference Centre, Tshwane, 28 January 2020 Programme Director, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Heads of Mission, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Senior Government Officials, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and
25 January 2019 Your Excellency Prime Minister Modi, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Indian and South African delegations, President of the Indian Council of World Affairs, Dr TCA Raghavan, Ambassador of Brazil in the Republic of India, High Commissioner Kamboj, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of South Africa, The Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of South
25 January 2019 Mr President, We are honoured to have you preside over today’s open debate, and thank the Dominican Republic for arranging this important meeting as well as chairing the Security Council this month, at the beginning of 2019. We are also honoured by, and acknowledge, the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khaled Alhamad Alsabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
Address at Raisina Dialogue, India by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, 16 January 2020: ‘Education as a foundation for democracies, development and Multilateralism’ Dr Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank the foundation for inviting me to speak at and attend the Raisina Dialogues, a critical
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Charter of the United Nations, 09 January 2020 Mr President, As this is the first open debate for the year 2020, South Africa would like to use this opportunity of welcoming the new
Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on UNOWAS, 8 January 2020 Mr President, I thank SRSG Chambas for his briefing and would like to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the SRSG and his team in efficiently discharging their mandate amidst an increasingly challenging environment. At
Keynote Address by Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the DIRCO-UN Seminar on “South Africa in the Multilateral World,” DIRCO, O.R. Tambo Building, 10 December 2019 UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas Director-General, Mr Kgabo Mahoai Members of the Diplomatic Corps Distinguished Panellists Ladies and gentlemen, It is my honour and privilege to welcome Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the
Remarks by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, at the Southern African Regional Launch of the United Nations Global Study on Children deprived of Liberty, Pretoria, 9 December 2019 Former Justice Albie Sachs; The United Nations Independent Expert, Prof Manfred Nowak; The Director for the Centre of Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, Prof Frans Viljoen; The Commissioner
Tribute by Minister Dr Naledi Pandor on the occasion of the Memorial Service in honour of the late Ambassador Radhi-Sghaiar Bachir of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to South Africa, DIRCO Conference Centre, 2 December 2019 Programme Director The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the DRC: H.E. Mp’oko Members of the Diplomatic Corps Staff of the Embassy of the Sahrawi Arab
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the closing ceremony of the Multi-Stakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II, Kingdom of Lesotho, 27 November 2019 Your Majesty King Letsie III, Right Honourable Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Representatives of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Representatives of SADC, Executive Secretary of SADC, Members of the Official Opposition and Political Parties,
Statement delivered by Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini during the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Nagoya, Japan, 23 November 2019 Allow me to congratulate Japan on successfully co-hosting, with the African Union Commission, TICAD-7 in Yokohama in August this year with the successful adoption of the Yokohama Declaration and its priorities of African development premised on people, technology and innovation. Our President places great value in
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: The Role of Reconciliation in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, 19 November 2019 Mr President, I wish to begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Professor Alpaslan Özerdem and Ms Ilwad Elman for their briefings on this very important topic
Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, at UNISA, on 18 November 2019 SYMPOSIUM “BEST PATH TOWARDS A PROSPEROUS ZIMBABWE” Professor Mandla Makhanya Vice Chancellor of UNISA Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Head of Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) Dr Somadoda Fikeni, UNISA Dr Philani Mthembu, Executive Director, Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) Dr Vasu Gounden, Founder and
Media Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor on South Africa’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, 18 November 2019 Members of the Media, Welcome to this briefing in which we will provide an overview of the outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency of the United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC) in October and the progress achieved in our
Address by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the 15th Year Anniversary Gala Dinner: Islamic Relief South Africa at The Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg, on 8 November 2019 The role of civil society in advancing human security Greetings, CEO of Islamic Relief and staff Distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen. I wish to begin by congratulating Islamic relief
Opening Remarks and Country Statement by Minister GNM Pandor at the 19th Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers (COM), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, 7 November 2019 Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Senior Officials and Delegates, On behalf of IORA, I wish to welcome you all to the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi for the 19th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting. As
Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the SMME Programme of the Second South Africa Investment Conference, University of Johannesburg, Soweto, 7 November 2019 Programme Director, Business leaders, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to Soweto, a name that is known around the world, a place of such extraordinary history. For its famous inhabitants, for its prominence in
Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Second Africa Investment Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 6 November 2019 Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, As the second South Africa Investment Conference draws to a close, I believe I am speaking on behalf of everyone here when I say we are immensely encouraged by the attendance of so many of us here.
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Debate on the Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tuesday, 05 November 2019 Madam President, allow me to begin by thanking Mr Valentine Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for his briefing and report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ms Selma
Pre-Investment Conference Briefing by Minister Naledi Pandor to the South African Heads of Missions Abroad on 05 November 2019 at the Sandton Convention Centre Excellences, Ambassadors and High Commissioners Senior Management of the Department Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome home for this brief visit and thank you for the work that you have done in identifying potential investors for the Second Investment Conference. I
Opening Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Second South Africa Investment Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 6 November 2019 Programme Director, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my great privilege to warmly welcome you all to the 2019 South Africa Investment Conference. It is a particular privilege to welcome all our international guests to South Africa, the home
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Wednesday, 20 November 2019 Madam President. Let me thank Mr Nikolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Ms Tania Hary, Executive Director of Gisha – Legal Centre for
Remarks by Deputy President David Mabuza on conclusion of official Bilateral Talks with Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue of Vietnam, 5 November 2019 Thank you very much, members of the media for your presence here today. We have just concluded official bilateral talks with a high-level delegation led by His Excellency, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong
Statement by Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: Visit of the Deputy Secretary-General to Horn of Africa, 4 November 2019 Madame President, At the outset, I would like to congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November, please be assured
Opening Remarks by Deputy President David Mabuza at the China – South Africa Business Roundtable Discussion, Shanghai, 2 November 2019 Vice President of the China-African Development Fund, Mr Teng Liliang, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Deputy Director-General in the China Ministry of Commerce, Mr He Song, Chairman of CCPIT in Shanghai Mr Yang Jianrong, CEO of South Africa
Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Thursday, 31 October 2019 Excellencies, in this the last formal meeting of the Security Council for this month, allow me to take a moment to thank you for your support during South Africa’s presidency. I
Statement on behalf of South Africa by Ambassador J Matjila, International Court of Justice, Under the theme “Threat to international peace and security and its evolution through the practice of the Security Council and Court”, 31 October 2019 Mr President, South Africa warmly welcomes President Yusuf to the Security Council today and wishes to share its views on the thematic discussion related to