Statement by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa on the occasion of the General Debate of the NAM Mid-Term Ministerial Conference, themed: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”
I thank Uganda for convening this Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement under the theme, Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.
This meeting is taking place at a time when the world is faced with geopolitical tensions, rising intolerance, conflict and persistent underdevelopment.
The war in Ukraine, the continued occupation of Palestine, the genocide in Gaza, as well as countless conflagrations the world over, including in the Sudan, and the eastern DRC, are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. At a time when the world appears to be once again strongly divided, the Non-Aligned Movement remains relevant and should continue to assert the importance of an independent non-aligned foreign policy based on the principles adopted at its founding in Bandung.
As NAM members, we share many core values and beliefs that are grounded in the need to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil our common aspirations. Working in solidarity, we can only address global challenges if we set aside our own differences and cooperate in advancing the interests of our members.
The inter-linked nature of global challenges also necessitates the building of partnerships based on mutual respect with those outside our Movement. In doing so, we need to ensure that the interests of our partners that may be incompatible with ours do not dilute our principled and long-held positions.
Excellencies,
Countries of the world are linked in so many ways today, digitally, through trade, value chains, and increasing international capital flows. All these require a globally agreed set of rules that not only apply equally to all but also allows room for development for the poorest and most disadvantaged.
This is why South Africa has placed solidarity, equality, and sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency, to deepen international cooperation and bolster partnerships. We view our Presidency as an opportunity to rebuild trust and reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism in addressing the multiple crises facing the world.
For developing countries to play a more meaningful role in global affairs, attention should be given to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. This reform should give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and enable the multilateral institutions to respond with credibility to our needs.
Excellencies,
As a Movement we should remain resolute and maintain our stance on historic and current challenges confronting our Member States. These include, amongst others, the self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara; the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe; reaffirmation of the inalienable right of access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes; defeating the scourge of unilateralism; upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law; defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.
The current global situation provides members with a new urgency, not only to look back and reflect on our common achievements as a Movement, but also to agree on a shared vision for the Movement’s role for the present and the future.
South Africa will remain steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security by advocating for the peaceful settlement of disputes and inclusive political dialogue.
South Africa therefore welcomes the peace plan agreed upon between Hamas and Israel. We commend all states that were part of mediating this agreement, including NAM member states, Egypt and Qatar. We hope that this agreement will pave the way for ending the attacks on Gaza, bringing about durable peace and ending the occupation. The people of Palestine must be able to enjoy full self-determination, including the ability to exist peacefully, determine their own destiny and develop freely in safety and security.
In conclusion, Excellencies,
Now is the time for the Movement to strengthen cooperation and to fully draw on our hallmark of solidarity, as well as to enhance its commitment and action towards development, peace, security and human rights and a strengthened rules-based multilateral system based on international law. If we do so, we will emerge from the current challenges that confront us all, much stronger than ever before.
I thank you.
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