Topnews, International relations, South Africa

05. June 2014

MINISTER ADDRESSES NON-ALIGNMENT MOVEMENT (NAM) SUMMIT

The Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the NAM and its relevance in addressing global challenges of the 21st century.

Just three days after being sworn in for a second term as International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane attended the NAM Ministerial Conference in Algiers, Algeria, on 29 May 2014, under the theme “Strengthened Solidarity for Peace and Prosperity”.

Addressing the delegates, the Minister said NAM had accomplished a lot in the past 50 years, especially with regard to the challenges of decolonisation and the ending of apartheid, adding that it was vital for the movement in the changing international environment to respond adequately to the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment, peace and security, democracy and good governance and the respect of human rights.

This, she said, could only be achieved by strengthening solidarity and South-South cooperation.

The Minister expressed South Africa’s concern about concerted efforts to undermine democratic governance and practice in most of the members of the movement. She also said the NAM should continue its unwavering commitment to the strengthening of systems of global governance and deepening of multilateralism.

“The United Nations is our organisation and therefore should be realigned to serve our interests and needs. The 70th anniversary presents an opportunity for the strengthening of the organisation. It is an important milestone that cannot be allowed to pass without a significant commitment to reform, particularly of the Security Council.”

On the millennium development goals (MDGs) and the approaching Post-2015 Agenda, the Minister said the movement had to agree on a programme to carry forward the unfinished business of the MDGs.

“We should continue to send a clear message to both our people and partners that the post-2015 dispensation is not an escape valve from the commitments made, including by the developed countries.

“Our South-South cooperation should be geared towards uplifting and assisting those of our friends classified as least developed and small island developing states. So, as we craft a Post-2015 development architecture, we should take into account their concerns and rally behind them.”

Read more: http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflash116-05-06-2014.html

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