Pretoria - The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has welcomed the launch of the advisory council on South Africa’s foreign policy and international relations.
The South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR) was launched in Pretoria on Thursday.
The body, which is made up of experts in various fields like business, labour, civil society and academia, will act as a consultative forum on South Africa’s foreign policy and also advise the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
“This body is launched at the right time when South Africa is in need of increased interaction with the world and sustained foreign direct investments.
“The world as we know is a contested terrain when it comes to such aspects as trade, business, stability and so on, this means the kind of foreign relations we prioritise as South Africa should seek to benefit our people,” Chairperson of the Committee, Siphosezwe Masango, said on Friday.
Masango said he attended the launch of SACOIR, whose input would be varied in approach and above board.
“The work on foreign affairs cannot be relegated only to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, but should also include other arms of the state, as well as the public and ensure that South Africa’s foreign policy is regularly reviewed by all,” he said.
He added that it was a progressive step in the right direction. – SAnews.gov.za
