Sirte - President Jacob Zuma received a warm welcome from his peers on the continent, when he attended his first African Union Summit in Sirte, Libya, as President of South Africa.
"President Zuma was warmly welcomed by all Heads of State and Government, " said Lindiwe Zulu, the President's adviser on international relations.
She told BuaNews that during his engagement with other leaders, Mr Zuma had reaffirmed South Africa's position and commitment to working together with the African leaders and their institutions to sustain peace, security and human rights.
"The president is very concerned about the issues of human rights, good governance and regional integration in the continent. South Africa believes that you cannot live in peace and then be surrounded by poverty and countries that are in conflict," she said.
Ms Zulu explained that South Africa hoped to use the summit to send a message that good governance was the basis for addressing the concerns that the people of the country desired on the ground.
"South Africa believes that without good governance, there will be no peace.
"As a country, we have respect for the law; respect for the continent and we abide by the institutions that we ourselves develop."
The Heads of State met to, among others, find ways of boosting the agricultural industry and ensure food security.
Ms Zulu said South Africa was gravely concerned about food security and land distribution. And that attention needed to be paid to small and emerging farmers.
Agricultural development and investment has been neglected by the African leaders for decades despite being identified as the backbone of economic growth and food security.
The theme of the summit comes as data indicates that more than half a million Africans live in extreme poverty.
