Minister Ronald Lamola highlighted South Africa’s dedication to diplomacy during the Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security, and Human Rights Dialogue. He stressed that the country will maintain its principled positions without engaging in hostility. Lamola noted the importance of trade relations with the U.S. and reaffirmed commitments to international law, particularly regarding the Israeli government and domestic redress policies.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, underscored the country’s steadfast commitment to diplomacy, insisting on adherence to its principled positions. He made these remarks during the opening of the Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security, and Human Rights Dialogue in Pretoria, highlighting that South Africa will not engage in “trading insults” with any nation, as reported by Xinhua.
Lamola stated, “We’re practicing diplomacy. We’re not in the business of trading insults with anyone in the world.” He reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to pursuing its national interests through respectful discourse, maintaining that disagreements should focus on substance rather than insults. Furthermore, he expressed the importance of the nation’s beneficial trade relations with the United States and emphasized a desire to mend the recently strained relationship with Washington.
Despite open efforts to restore ties with the U.S., Lamola maintained that South Africa would uphold its policy of bringing the Israeli government to the International Court of Justice in 2023 for charges of alleged genocide in Gaza. He stated, “This is a matter that we will not withdraw from the court, which we have already put. This is a matter that we will not compromise.”
Additionally, at the dialogue, Lamola reiterated South Africa’s commitment to its redress policies, including the Expropriation Act, despite these contributing to recent tensions with the U.S. He emphasized that these initiatives are integral to the nation’s constitutional framework, asserting, “The foundational elements of redress are powerfully articulated in the preamble of the Constitution.”
In conclusion, Lamola’s statements reflect South Africa’s balanced approach to international relations, reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy, adherence to principles, and ongoing pursuit of transformative policies embedded in its constitution, while also striving to maintain constructive international relationships.
In summary, Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized South Africa’s unwavering commitment to principled diplomacy at the Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security, and Human Rights Dialogue. He articulated that the country will not compromise on its positions, particularly regarding international law and significant national policies, while also aiming to repair relations with the United States. The discussions further highlight South Africa’s dedication to upholding its constitutional values as it navigates complex international dynamics.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
