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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO:49( NO457E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.1-2015 OF 04 MARCH 2015
Mr J S Malema (EFF) to ask the Minister of International Relations and
Cooperation:
Minister, South Africa’s economic diplomacy initiatives in the rest of the African
continent face particular challenges and are hampered by the government’s
concern not to be perceived as an arrogant, hegemonic actor. But Minister, such
perceptions already exist among most of the African countries that the current
South African government want to play the role of big brother hence the relations
with Nigeria are strained. What strategies does your department have to deal with
this problem to ensure smooth relations with other countries on the continent?
REPLY:
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South Africa is known as a positive contributor to peace, security and stability on
the continent. Furthermore, among other things South Africa champions integration,
infrastructure build and economic diplomacy on the continent.
We have sound bilateral relations with countries on the continent, within the
diplomatic, economic, trade arena etc. The sound relations we have on the
continent include, in particular Nigeria. As a matter of fact, South Africa maintains
cordial political and economic relations with all countries on the African continent
based on shared mutual respect.
South Africa’s engagement in Africa is supportive of peace, security and stability of
the continent which is essential to integration, development and economic growth.
Our priorities remain to strengthen political and economic relations across the
continent and enhance the African Agenda.
South Africa utilises structured Bilateral Mechanisms and high-level engagements
to reinforce and expand economic cooperation for the purpose of contributing to the
achievement of our national priorities. Bilateral economic agreements also establish
an important basis for strengthening economic partnerships across the continent,
resulting in the positive trade cooperation with all countries on the continent.
Moreover, South Africa uses its 47 diplomatic Missions on the continent, amongst
others, to lend support to our economic diplomacy initiatives in Africa.
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