Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is back in the country after her working visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which was aimed at renewing ties between the two countries.
Nkoana-Mashabane had visited Goma on behalf of President Jacob Zuma and met with DRC President Joseph Kabila Kabange.
“President Kabila thanked South Africa for its contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and especially the Intervention Brigade, who played a pivotal role in defeating the M23 and bringing peace to the Eastern DRC,” International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Sunday.
The 3 000-strong Intervention Brigade comprises Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania.
Nkoana-Mashabane also visited the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers stationed in Goma and at Sake Base, Monyela said.
In her address to the soldiers, the minister said South Africa was proud of their dedication to peace and democracy on the continent.
"South Africa is an integral part of Africa and will therefore continue to contribute to peace in the region that is sustainable," said Nkoana-Mashabane.
During her meeting with Kabila, the minister reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the consolidation of peace in the Great Lakes Region.
Both sides also updated each other on developments in the region since the Joint SADC and Conference on the Great Lakes Region Summit was held in Pretoria during October. - SAnews.gov.za
