Solving existing conflicts in the world, including the crisis in Ukraine, requires global cooperation, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of South Africa, Ronald Lamola, said on Thursday.
"The impact of the ongoing [conflict] between Russia and Ukraine has been felt globally, most notably on the African continent, as it has led to significantly increased consumer prices, particularly of food and energy," Lamola said at the South African Institute of International Affairs’ symposium on South Africa’s foreign policy.
This highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to resolve conflicts and mitigate their economic impact, he added.
He recalled that it was South Africa that coordinated "the first-ever Africa Peace Initiative beyond the continent's borders, when President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led a delegation of six African Heads of State to Ukraine and Russia last year."
“In the emerging world order, we are more cognizant than ever that economic prosperity largely depends on stability, peace, and respect for the rule of law. There can be no peace in any part of the world where people are being oppressed or struggling under the yoke of colonialism and occupation,” he underlined.
He stated that the "evolving international world order" required the strengthening of the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing that South Africa's "non-alignment" and "universality" positions would remain unwavering.
South Africa's strategy of active non-alignment was proactive rather than reactive in its pursuit of peace, Lamola noted.