Statement by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes of South Africa, on behalf of the Africa Group on the occasion of the Closing Ceremony of the Ministerial Meeting of the CoB of the NAM, 21 July 2019, Caracas, Venezuela
Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable Ministers, and Heads of Delegations, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Africa Group, we would like to congratulate Venezuela for a successful and memorable Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) here in the beautiful city of Caracas and for the warm hospitality extended to all of us.
We would also like to express our appreciation to Venezuela as the Chair of our Movement, for the excellent work carried out since 2016, of coordinating and steering the activities of this glorious Movement.
The Africa region looks forward to working with the incoming Chair, Azerbaijan, to ensure that the NAM remains effective and true to its founding principles.
Chairperson,
The theme of this Ministerial Meeting namely, “Promotion and Consolidation of Peace through Respect for International Law” could not have been more appropriate and relevant at a time when we need to be mindful of today’s geopolitical realities. Now, it is important for us as a Movement to recommit ourselves to the principles of solidarity and non-alignment.
We have recently observed with serious concern, concerted efforts to undermine governance in some of the members of this Movement, by external forces. We should therefore endeavour to stand together and condemn those extra-constitutional activities, including attempts at regime change.
This week our Movement has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the strengthening of systems of global governance, the rule of law, human rights and deepening of multilateralism. Furthermore, we recognised the importance of reforming the United Nations, especially the Security Council, considering that our Movement represents three quarters of the membership of the United Nations.
Chairperson,
Africa will avail itself of the opportunity to chair the Movement from 2022-2025, and undertakes to use this mandate to further strengthen our solidarity and enhance South-South cooperation.
With the adoption of the Final NAM Document and declarations, we reaffirm our endorsement and commitment to the implementation of the decisions of this meeting, as well as the principles and objectives of the Movement and its relevance today in addressing global challenges of the 21st century.
I thank you.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084