Posts in category: Speeches

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, to the United Nations, during the Security Council Mandate Renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 30 October 2019   At the outset, South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This Mission, as its

Statement by Minister Mapisa-Nqakula, South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Affairs, during the Security Council Briefing on Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations (African Union), 30 October 2019   Members of the Council,   Excellencies,   I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, Côte d’ Ivoire, Equatorial

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the Great Lakes Region, 3 October 2019   Excellencies,   At the outset let me join others in thanking the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Mr Huang Xia for his informative briefing.   South Africa welcomes the improving relations and levels of cooperation

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security in Africa: The Centrality of Preventative Diplomacy, Conflict Prevention and Resolution”, 7 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now wish to address the Council in my national capacity. I thank the Secretary-General António Guterres for his statement. I

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Mali, 8 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now address the Council in my national capacity, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank SRSG Annadif for his insightful briefing on developments in Mali pertaining to the implementation of the mandate of MINUSMA.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila,  Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on MONUSCO, 09 October 2019   Excellencies,   South Africa joins other delegations in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Leila Zerrougui for her briefing on MONUSCO activities.   My delegation recognizes and commends the fundamental role played by MONUSCO in addressing the perennial

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, 10 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now address the Council in my national capacity. Let me start by thanking and welcoming the Foreign Minister of Colombia, H.E. Carlos Holmes Trujillo to the meeting. We appreciate your commitment and availability

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Debate on Peace and Security in Africa: Mobilising the Youth towards Silencing the Guns by 2020, 2 October 2019   I would like to thank the briefers for your insightful briefing. It is always beneficial and valuable for the Council to be briefed by young people who are passionate

Welcome Remarks delivered by Finance Minister, Mr Tito Mboweni on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa during a Plenary Session entitled: Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution World Economic Forum on Africa, Cape Town, 05 September 2019   Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, President of the World Economic Forum, Mr Børge Brende, Deputy Secretary-General of the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 10 September 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Executive Director of the UNODC,

Speech by Deputy Director-General Ambassador Sooklal commemorating 25 Years of bilateral relations between South Africa and Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS), 04 September 2019   Major General Abdur Rahman Esteemed Delegates Members of the media Ladies and Gentlemen   I am honored to be afforded this opportunity to be with you today to commemorate an historic event in our shared

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 04 September 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Mr. Ghassan Salamé for his briefing on the situation in Libya. I also thank the Chair of the 1970 Committee, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for his briefing on the work

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on “the Situation in the Middle East”, Tuesday, 27 August 2019   Mr President,   We thank you for convening this meeting. My delegation also thanks the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Mr Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing.   Mr President,  

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations and African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 26 August 2019   Madame President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and African Union Commissioner

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 20 August 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr Martin Griffiths, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ms Ursula Mueller for their briefings. South Africa wishes to express our support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, 2 August 2019   Madame President,   On the outset, I would like to thank Poland for organising this open debate on Children and Armed Conflict. The debate is timely as it coincides with the celebration of the 10th Year Anniversary of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of Security Council Meeting on Libya, 29 July 2019   Mr President,   I would like to welcome and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Ghassan Salamé for his enlightening briefing and I also thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for a

Opening Address by Director-General, Mr KE Mahoai, at the Six Month Review Workshop of South Africa’s Term as an Elected Member of the United Nations Security Council, 25- 26 July 2019   Programme Director, Representatives of Departments, Deputy Directors-General, Colleagues,   I wish to welcome you the opening session of the six-month review workshop of South Africa’s term as an elected member of the United

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, to the United Nations during the Security Council Briefing on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Afghanistan, 26 July 2019   Mr President,   My delegation wishes to thank the briefers Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, USG Rosemary DiCarlo, and Jamila Afghani, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Afghanistan, Executive Director of Noor

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on MONUSCO, 24 July 2019   Mr President, We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Leila Zerrougui for her briefing on MONUSCO activities. South Africa recognises the important role played by MONUSCO in addressing the perennial instability in the eastern DRC and

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Tuesday, 23 July 2019   Let me begin by thanking Ms Di Carlo for her briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.   Mr President,  

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Council Briefing on the situation in Yemen, Thursday, 18 July 2019   Thank Mr President,   At the outset, my delegation would like to thank all the briefers for their detailed and informative briefings.   Mr President,   South Africa remains extremely concerned at the serious humanitarian and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Strengthening Partnerships for Nationally-Owned Transitions”, 18 July 2019   Mr President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace: strengthening partnerships for nationally-owned transitions.   We thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, the Chairperson

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of an Open Debate of the Security Council on the issue of “Linkages between International Terrorism and Organised Crime”, 9 July 2019   Mr President,   We congratulate Peru on its Presidency of the Security Council, and welcome today’s important discussion.   We also thank the briefers

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, Thursday, 20 June 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.   We are

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General: Asia and the Middle East at DIRCO, and Chair of the IORA Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), Durban, 19 June 2019   Salutations,   Colleagues, a warm welcome to the Ninth Bi-annual CSO Meeting. We are honoured by your presence and we hope that you have had an opportunity to rest, especially in view of the two

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 Sudan, 19 June 2019   Mr President,   At the outset allow me thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms Fatou Bensouda, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Sudan.   South Africa continues

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 17 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr Martin Griffiths, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme Mr David Beasley for their briefings.   We

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations and African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 14 June 2019   Mr President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We also thank the briefers for their comprehensive briefings which have highlighted a number of key

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Burundi, 14 June 2019 Mr President, We thank Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, AU Peace and Security Commissioner, Ambassador Smail Chergui and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), Chairperson of the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for their insightful briefings on the evolving situation in Burundi

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations in maintaining Peace and Security”, 13 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank you once again for your stewardship of today’s Council meeting on “Cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Mali, 12 June 2019   Mr President,   We wish to welcome His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali in the Council today. Minister we are pleased that you could joint us to discuss this important matter.   I wish to thank the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict Prevention and Mediation”, 12 June 2019   Mr President,   It is good to see you back in the chair, presiding over our work in the Council.   We thank the delegation of Kuwait for convening the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Protection of Civilians: Missing Persons in Armed Conflict, 11 June 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank the Operations Director Ms Reena Ghelani of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the President of the International Committee

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Kosovo, 10 June 2019   Mr President,   South Africa would like to thank the briefers for their informative statements.   South Africa welcomes the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with support from the UN Kosovo Team and the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 10 June 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Secretary General for his report on the implementation of the Resolution 2420 on the arms embargo. We thank the United Kingdom as a penholder for facilitating this process.   My delegation

Joint E10 Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, during the Open Debate on the Working Methods of the Security Council, 6 June 2019   Mr. President,   Thank you for giving me the floor. Allow me, before I deliver our joint E10 statement on the working methods of this Council, to reflect for a moment on

Press Conference by the African Members (A3) of the United Nations Security Council (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea & South Africa) on the situation in Sudan at the UNSC Press Stakeout, UN Head Quarters, New York, 6 June 2019   Good Afternoon   1. The Representatives of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), along with the representative of the African Union would like

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, 04 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr François Louncény Fall for the report on the situation

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the Adoption of the Amisom Mandate Renewal, 31 May 2019   Mr President,   We thank the United Kingdom, in its capacity as penholder, for their transparency, tireless efforts and commitment in facilitating the resolution that we have adopted today.   The renewal

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria, 28 May 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Ms Ursula Meüller, Assistant-Secretary-General of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for her briefing.   South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria.  We

A3 Joint Statement on the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, 23 May 2019   Madame President,   On behalf of the African members of the Security Council, Côte d’ Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, I would like to thank the Indonesian Presidency for organising this important Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed

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, 22 May 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to begin by thanking Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, particularly the question of Palestine and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Somalia, 22 May 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Deputy SRSG Zenenga, ASG Ursulla Mueller and AU SRCC Francisco Madeira for their briefing and Secretary-General Mr António Guterres for his report.   My delegation commends the UN Secretary General Guterres

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 21 May 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Special Representative Mr Ghassan Salamé for his briefing and Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for his report.   My delegation commends the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Mr Salamé, for their tireless

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 21 May 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. South Africa supports the mandate renewal of UNAMI in its current format as it promotes the strengthening of the government of Iraq

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Ukraine, 20 May 2019   Mr President,   We have supported the request for this meeting on the basis of consistency, having acceded to requests from other delegations for briefings on matters, which they regard as urgent and important. We also support the meeting based on

Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila during the Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: G5 Sahel Joint Force, 16 May 2019   Mr President,   I wish to thank H.E. Mr. Alpha Barry, the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso for taking time to brief the Security Council on behalf of the G5 Sahel Presidency.   I also thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa,

Statement of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the State of Readiness for the Presidential Inauguration   Members of the IMC Senior officials of government Members of the media Ladies and gentlemen   I would like to first welcome you and the thank you for coming to this briefing on preparations for the presidential Inauguration scheduled to take place on the 25th of May, at Loftus

Statement Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, New York, 15 May 2019   Mr President   Thank you for convening this meeting on Yemen. We thank the Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and the chair of the 2140 Sanctions Committee Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during, the Security Council Debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 08 May 2019   Mr President,   We would like to thank you for convening this debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.   We want to express our appreciation for the informative briefing by the High-Representative for Bosnia

Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Investing in Peace: Improving Safety and Performance of UN Peacekeepers, 07 May 2019   Madam President,   South Africa wishes to thank the Republic of Indonesia for organising the open debate on this important matter.   We also thank the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of the coordinated Briefing of the Chairs of the 1267/1989/1373 &1540 Committees, 20 May 2019   Mr President,   It is with deep regret that I must once again begin my remarks with expressing South Africa’s condolences, on this occasion to the people of Burkina Faso, who recently

Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Ms LN Sisulu at the Conversation with the members of the Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Communities Alliance, Alberton, Johannesburg, 3 May 2019   Members of the Diplomatic Corps The South African Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Communities, Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen.   Introduction   This is a year in which we are going to our

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Mandate renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) 30 April 2019   Mr President,   South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and the renewal of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Monday, 29 April 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank Ms Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing regarding the situation in the Middle East, including the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Ukraine, 25 April 2019   Mr President,   We note that today’s discussion is taking place as requested by Ukraine in its letter dated 24 April 2019.   At the outset we wish to thank the briefers for their briefings on the current situation in

Statement by South Africa during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Conflict, 23 April 2019   Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished briefers,   At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Minister Heiko Maas, and the Permanent Mission of Germany for organising this debate.   Equally, I wish to extend South Africa’s gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr

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 Darfur (UNAMID), 17 April 2019   Mr President,   We would like to express our appreciation to you for convening this meeting. We also thank the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative for UNAMID, Mr J Mamabolo for his enlightening

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, New York, 15 April 2019   Mr President   Thank you for convening this meeting on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. We also thank Mr Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr Mark Lowcock, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs

Keynote Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Dr Phyllis Naidoo Memorial Lecture, Senate Chamber I, Westville Campus University Of Kwazulu-Natal, 12 April 2019   “Key International Relations issues facing South Africa”   Moderator, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   It is an immense pleasure for me to address the Dr Phyllis Naidoo Memorial lecture today. I have been

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, 10 April 2019   Mr President, thank you for giving me the floor.   My delegation wishes to welcome the Secretary-General to the Council.   We also acknowledge the briefings provided by Mr Mark Lowcock, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian

Statement by Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at a Public Lecture on South Africa’s two-year non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), 05 April 2019, Durban   Moderator, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I wish to begin by thanking you for joining us today at this public lecture convened by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

Keynote Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, HE Ms LN Sisulu, at the Mid-Term Meeting of the BRICS Business Council, Johannesburg, 4 April 2019   Council members of the respective chapters of the BRICS Business Councils, Captains of industry, Honourable delegates, Ladies and gentlemen.   I must preface my address by congratulating the newly appointed South African BRICS Business Council. I am

Remarks by LN Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the DIRCO Monthly Media Briefing, 30 April 2019, DIRCO Media Centre   DIRCO Senior Officials, Members of the media,   Introduction   1. Our briefing today will cover a number of areas we have been involved in over the past couple of weeks. These include international engagements such as the recent

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the situation in Haiti, 3 April 2019   Mr President,   We welcome and support the innovation of Germany with the introduction of time keeping measures and opening of the curtain in the Council Chamber, we hope that this will translate into and lead to more

Keynote Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Johannesburg, 3 April 2019   “Representing Africa in the World: Setting Priorities for South Africa’s Third Term in the UN Security Council”   Moderator, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I am glad for this opportunity to finally formally make your acquaintance. We have had

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Tuesday, 2 April 2019   Thank you Mr President,   We highly appreciate that you are presiding over this timely and relevant discussions on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), just a few

Remarks by Deputy Minister L. Landers on the occasion of the GRULAC Luncheon, DIRCO, 2 April 2019   Your Excellency, Ambassador Mairin Moreno Merida, Dean of the GRULAC Group Ambassadors and High Commissioners Ladies & Gentlemen Comrades and Friends Good afternoon,   Allow me the opportunity to extend to your esteemed selves fraternal greetings on behalf of the People and Government of South Africa.   It

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the Middle East including the Question of Palestine, 26 March 2019   Mr President,   I would like to join others in thanking the Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the developments in the Middle East.   South Africa condemns the rocket

Welcome Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, on the occasion of the SADC Solidarity Conference with Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Pretoria, 25 March 2019   It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Republic of South Africa on this unprecedented occasion where our progressive region – SADC, convenes a Solidarity Conference with the Saharawi people. Unprecedented

Statement delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Mr Luwellyn Landers, at the Second High Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation, on 20 March 2019   Mr President,   It is an honour and privilege for me to attend and participate in the deliberations of this important conference.   I wish to thank the government of Argentina for their generosity and excellent efforts

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, New York, 18 March 2019   Mr President,   At the outset let me join others in thanking the Special Representative and Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 11 March 2019   Mr President,   Thank you for convening this briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) this morning.   We wish to take this opportunity to convey our condolences to our Ethiopian friends

Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister R Mhaule, at the Ninth Deputy Ministerial Working Group Meeting (DMWG) between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran, 08 March 2019, Cape Town   Your Excellency Dr Abbas Araghchi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Your Excellency, Mr Mohsen Mohavhedi Ghomi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations on the Briefing to the Security Council by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), 7 March 2019   Mr President,   Thank you for facilitating today’s briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, Mr Miroslav Lajčák, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister Landers during his Working Lunch with the European Union Ambassadors accredited to South Africa, Pretoria, 05 March 2019   Ambassador Marcus Cornaro, Ambassador of the European Union to South Africa Heads of Mission of European Union Member States accredited to South Africa Head of the European Investment Bank Offices in South Africa, Mr Tom Anderson Officials from DIRCO and the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Myanmar, 28 February 2019   Mr President,   South Africa thanks the Special Envoy, Ms Christine Schraner Burgener, for her informative briefing following her recent visit to the region. We also wish to commend Ms Burgener for her continued efforts in finding solutions to this

Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the political situation in Syria, 28 February 2019   Mr President,   The South Africa delegation would like join others in thanking the Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Geir Pedersen, for his insightful and forward-looking briefing.   As this is the

Opening Remarks by Mr Luwellyn Landers, MP, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the Western Sahara Side-Event, on 27 February 2019, on the European Union and its Member State’s responsibility for the Decolonisation of Western Sahara   Moderator Excellencies Fellow panellists Distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen   It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Open Briefing of the United Nations Security Council, 26 February 2019   Mr President,   We are grateful for the informative briefing provided by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms Rosemary DiCarlo.   Mr President,   The United Nations Security Council is the principle organ charged with maintaining

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), 25 February 2019   Mr. President   At the outset let me thank you for convening this meeting today. Allow me to also express our appreciation to Ms. Bintou Keita, ASG for Africa, for her comprehensive briefing on

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights mainstreaming, 40th Session of the Human Rights Council, Human Rights in the light of Multilateralism: Opportunities, Challenges and the way forward, 25 February 2019   Mr President   We wish to thank the dignitaries and panellists for sharing their views.   On occasions

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the High-Level Segment of the 40th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland   25 February 2019   Mr President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen   Permit me to begin by congratulating Ms Michelle Bachelet on assuming the Office of the High Commission for

Statement by Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at a Public Lecture on Creating a Secure and Peaceful world: Key priorities during South Africa’s tenure in the UN Security Council – 22 February 2019, Cape Town.   Moderator, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I wish to begin by thanking you for joining us today at this public lecture convened by

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic 21 February 2019   Thank you, President   Mr President,   At the outset let me join others in thanking  the outgoing Special Representative and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

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 20 February 2019   Thank you, Mr. President,   Mr President, at the outset we join others in thanking the Special Coordinator, Mr Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing. Likewise, we welcome the briefing by

Remarks by L N Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and cooperation on the occasion of the DIRCO media engagement 19 February 2019   Deputy Minister Landers DIRCO senior officials Members of the media   Introduction: RSA General elections   1. This morning we hosted our Quarterly engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps, this is in-line with our commitment to keep the Diplomatic Corps informed

Statement by the Permanent Representative of South Africa, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, on the situation in Burundi   19 February 2019   Mr President   We thank former President Michel Kafando, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi and Ambassador Jurg Lauber, Chair of the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for their important and insightful briefings on the evolving situation in Burundi and for their

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on Yemen   19 February 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Secretary General’s Special Envoy Mr Martin Griffiths, as well as the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mr Mark Lowcock for their informative briefings. We also welcome the appointment of Major General Michael Anker

Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at the occasion of the debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address, 13 February 2019   Madam Speaker, President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, Honourable Members:   Honourable Members have had very robust debates, which were very valuable in parts. From where I stand it is important for us

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 13 February 2019   Mr President,   We thank the new Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing and we are looking forward to working together with her in future.   South Africa would like to highlight the following three

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa  to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on Ukraine 12 February 2019     Mr President,   We thank Assistant Secretary-General Mirosalv Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Müller, Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan, as well as Ambassador Martin Sajdik for their informative briefings.   It is clear from the briefings we have heard, that there remains an

Statement by the Deputy Director-General Global Governance and Continental Agenda of South Africa, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, during the United Nations Security Council Debate on “Transnational Organised Crime at Sea as a Threat to International Peace and Security”, 5 February 2019   Mr President,   I thank you for convening this important debate on Transnational Organised Crime at Sea as a Threat to International Peace and

Speech by Deputy Minister Landers participation at the GEG-Africa Programme and the T20 African Standing Group Meeting, the G20 and Africa: Navigating African Priorities for the G20, 29 January 2019   Programme Director, Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Director-General Dondo Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive of the NEPAD Agency, Dr Yashuo Fujita, Deputy Director, JICA Research Institute Representatives of International Organisations and Think-Tanks present, and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Meeting on Venezuela   26 January 2019   Mr President,   In any country, political parties choose the provisions on which to conduct elections.   Venezuela is no different and it held its Presidential elections on 20 May 2018, on the basis of its national laws

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Open Debate on Addressing the Impacts of Climate related Disasters on International Peace and Security   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

Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador J Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations in New York during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Libya – 18 January 2019   Mr President,   We would like to add our voice in thanking you for convening this meeting today, and to thank SRSG Mr Ghassan Salame for his comprehensive briefing to the

Statement delivered by H.E. Jerry Matjila during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Sudan Sanctions, 17 January 2019   Mr President   We would like to thank you for convening this meeting, and we would also like to thank Ms Wronecka for her briefing and her leadership in this portfolio.   South Africa welcomes the improvements in the security situation in Darfur. The situation

Statement by South Africa to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 11 January 2019   Mr President,   We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Ms Leila Zerrougui, for her briefing. We welcome and thank CENI, SADC and the African Union of their assessment of the electoral process. We also

Speech by Deputy Minister Mhaule on the 25 years of South Africa’s Freedom at the Research and Information System for developing countries (RIS), 9 January 2019   Programme Director, Director General of RIS, Prof Sachin Chaturvedi, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sanibonani   I am honoured to be addressing this distinguished audience and wish to thank the RIS for the opportunity to address you today.