Pretoria - The ANC has reaffirmed its commitment to the African agenda, pledging its support for initiatives that promote democracy, peace and stability in the region.
In his annual January 8 statement, which is traditionally the start of the political year, ANC president Jacob Zuma said the ruling party has always cherished the unity of the African continent and its people.
"The ANC is also fully supportive of the New Partnership for Africa's Development and backs the ANC government's new role of championing the African North-South infrastructure development corridor, focusing on road and rail networks," he added.
The ANC intended building on South-to-South cooperation, on a political and economic scale, through platforms such as India-Brazil-South Africa grouping and the China-Africa forum.
In addition, a boost in political and economic cooperation between South Africa and other emerging markets was also on the cards through the Brazil-Russia-India-China forum, Zuma noted.
While Zuma wished the people of Sudan in the referendum which is expected to be held on Sunday, he said the ANC was concerned about the developments in Cote d'Ivoire, following a dispute over the recent contested presidential elections.
The people of South Sudan will vote in the referendum to decide whether they will remain part of a United Sudan or form a new independent state.
On the global scale, he said the ANC government would continue its participation in the G20 and the World Trade Organisation.
"The ANC also supports Cuba in its campaign to end the economic blockade, and also reiterate the call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Cuban Five. The ANC has long called for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestine question and supports the two-state solution," Zuma said.
He was also hopeful that South Africa would successfully host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change in December in Durban this year.
