By More Matshediso
Pretoria – In just 20 years, South Africa has broadened its international reach from 34 missions abroad in 1994, to a staggering 126 missions throughout the world, says President Jacob Zuma.
He said the country has a proud international relations tradition with a sharp focus on Africa.
“We have been consistently vocal in our belief that the struggle for a better South Africa is inextricably linked to the struggle for a better Africa.
“We attach the greatest importance to the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other key regional organisations,” he said on Thursday.
The President was receiving Letters of Credence from Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate at a credentials ceremony held at Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, in Pretoria.
He said South Africa remains grateful to all countries and people that stood on the side of justice, freedom, human rights and equality, during the dark days of apartheid colonialism.
President Zuma said South Africa gained its democratic victory through the struggles of South Africans and freedom loving people across Africa and the world.
“In 1994, we witnessed the manifestation of a passage from oppression to freedom for all – irrespective of colour, gender, religion. This is what nations of the world wished for us too – this we know for sure.
“We are pleased that this wish is gradually becoming a reality. Millions of our people have been extricated from poverty, South Africa is a better place to live in now than ever before,” President Zuma said.
Northern Countries
President Zuma said Northern countries continue to play an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development and international cooperation.
He said in the past 20 years, the country has also built and maintained solid bilateral relations with countries of the North.
“Our respect for multilateralism has been illustrated by our active role and participation in institutions of global governance such as the United Nations, the G20, and the G77 + China, amongst others,” the President said.
The President thanked the governments which were represented at the ceremony for choosing South Africa as a preferred diplomatic destination.
“We remain truly humbled by this gesture, and commit to continue working with you towards attaining a common goal, and strengthening our working relations and partnerships on issues of common interest and mutual benefit,” he said.
Diplomats from eleven countries presented their credentials to the President, comprising the Republic of Colombia, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Ireland, Republic of Mali, Republic of Botswana, Republic of Sri Lanka, Republic of Philippines, the Kingdom of Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Norway and the Central African Republic.
Ambassador Marie Louisa Marisa Gerards, of the Netherlands, was amongst the diplomats at the ceremony.
Gerards joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in her country in 1992 and is now currently the Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs in the same Ministry. She holds a Degree in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam.
BRICS
The President also said South Africa’s membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) partnership has become more critical now than it has ever been in the past and the country is beginning to witness the benefits of membership.
The President said the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza a few months ago has delivered tangible results for the country’s developmental aspirations.
“The creation of the New Development Bank remains by far one of BRICS’ key achievements, amongst others,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
