Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says South Africa's foreign policy will always be guided by the values of Ubuntu and commitments to mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa and other countries of the world.
"Foreign policy, being an integral part or an extension of national policy and interest, becomes consequently an important component in our strategy for development and social purposes," Zuma said on Wednesday as he received letters of credence for new Heads of Mission accredited to South Africa.
He said the foundations and strategic perspective of South Africa's foreign policy were derived from a long standing history, ideology and values that embrace, among others, the spirit of "internationalism" and the rejection of colonialism and other forms of oppression.
"Inspired by these ideals, as well as our celebration of the African National Congress having turned 100 years old, we remain cognisant that ours was not only a South African success story, but an African and a global victory," Zuma said.
It was the endorsement by Africa and the international community which made the prestige of the liberation movement grow.
Gestures of undying solidarity with South Africa were an indication that the bonds of friendship and fraternity that the country and the ANC have built with sister countries and citizens of the continent over the years remained strong.
"They have given us a legacy of an Africa that is not scared to fight for its freedom and its space in international affairs."
Zuma reminded the new ambassadors that South Africa had just handed over the rotating chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council at the end of January 2012.
During that brief tenure in the UN hot seat, he said, South Africa focused on strengthening cooperation between the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. A UN resolution in this regard was unanimously adopted.
According to Zuma, this was a sign of more positive cooperation between Africa and the United Nation.
Despite the enormous burdens on Africa and other developing nations, particularly conflict prone countries, Zuma had no doubt that through strengthened diplomatic relations, the continent could overcome its challenges
"Accordingly, we should not allow these challenges to dampen our determination to deliver our peacekeeping commitments. Our actions and decisions as a country are often guided by our domestic priorities and policy.
"Accordingly, we have since the country's readmission into the international community - including the United Nations (UN) in the early 1990's - been firmly committed to advancing the values and principles of the Organisation. It is indeed in this context that the peaceful resolution of conflicts has become one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy objectives."
