SA's Allied Ties With Russia Are Not Directed Against Any Country: Presidentcy
18:10 27.10.2024 (Updated: 11:48 28.10.2024)
© Sputnik . Alexey Danichev
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At the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed Russia as a "time-tested friend and ally."
South Africa's allied relations with Russia are not directed against any country or bloc of countries in the world, a press statement by the South African presidential administration said.
"In declaring President Putin and the people of Russia as “valuable friends and allies," President Ramaphosa was not projecting any particular country or block of countries as the enemy. Similarly, as a country that has no enemies, South Africa regards the members of BRICS as friends," the statement said.
The statement highlighted South Africa's non-alignment policy, which enables the country to engage constructively with both Russia and Ukraine. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the UN Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflicts. While South Africa has strong historical ties with Russia, it also fosters diplomatic relations with Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to a peace process that involves both nations.
"South Africa will maintain a foreign policy that is informed by solidarity, peace, equality, human rights, and sustainable development for the benefit of all. This is the responsibility that President Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in line with South Africa’s national sovereign interest," the presidential administration said.
Earlier, John Steinhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance and Minister of Agriculture, criticized Ramaphosa's position, saying that it endangers South Africa's relations with the West and called for a consensus on the country's foreign policy within the unity government. However, the South African presidential administration emphasized that foreign policy decisions are solely the responsibility of the head of state.
