President Jacob Zuma has concluded his visit to Nice, France where he attended the 25th Africa France Summit, 31 May to 1 June 2010.
The Summit was an opportunity to highlight the need to strengthen relations between Africa and France by creating a partnership based on shared interest and mutual trust. Addressing the media at the conclusion of the summit, President Zuma said the discussions had focused on a number of important issues relating to peace and security, development, trade and investment.
On peace and security in Africa, President Zuma emphasised the urgent task facing the African continent and the continent’s strategic partners such as France in resolving conflicts in Africa.
“We must solve conflicts in the continent. Conflict and development do not go together,” said President Zuma.
“The African Union position on unconstitutional changes of government must be respected. People who come into power through military or other unconstitutional means should not get support from outside the continent” Zuma added.
President Zuma also echoed the call made by the Heads of State and Government who attended the summit on the importance of a multilateral system that is effective and representative of today’s world based on a strong and reformed United Nations (UN), in particular, the urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
South Africa supported the summit position on the reform of global governance for the African continent to be better represented in the international forums. The summit felt that a fair, broader consistent and balanced representation of Africa at every level of was needed in the G20.
Responding to media questions on Madagascar, President Zuma said there was a convergence of views between South Africa and France on the need to support the work of SADC in assisting the parties to resolve the political impasse in Madagascar.
“We are confident that we will resolve the Madagascar issue faster due to the work that is being carried out by SADC, with the assistance of France and other keys stakeholders such as the African Union and the United Nations”, said Zuma.
President Zuma also held bilateral discussions with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the sidelines of the summit.
President Zuma departs Nice, France this evening, 1 June 2010, for the Republic of India on a state visit.
For enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
President’s Spokesperson
Cell: 072 715 0027
Issued by: The Presidency
1 June 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
