South African Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirms the nation’s commitment to principled diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement without insults. The country aims to mend relations with the United States while pursuing legal action against Israel in the ICJ, reflecting its stance on progressive internationalism and redress policies enshrined in its constitution.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has reiterated the country’s steadfast commitment to diplomacy, expressing that South Africa shall maintain its principled positions. During the opening of the Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security, and Human Rights Dialogue in Pretoria, he emphasized the nation’s refusal to engage in derogatory exchanges with any nation.
Minister Lamola stated, “We are practicing diplomacy. We’re not in the business of trading insults with anyone in the world.” He underscored the importance of focusing on the substantive merits of disagreements, asserting that South Africa is committed to pursuing its national interests while adhering to diplomatic protocols.
He acknowledged the significance of South Africa’s “mutually beneficial trade relations” with the United States, affirming the intention to repair the previously strained relationship. However, Lamola made it clear that South Africa’s policies, including the pursuit of legal action against the Israeli government in the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide in Gaza, remain non-negotiable.
Addressing the media at an African National Congress briefing, Lamola remarked that South Africa will not withdraw its case at The Hague, affirming, “This is a matter that we will not compromise. There are issues of progressive internationalism that we cannot compromise on.”
Additionally, at the dialogue, he emphasized the ongoing implementation of redress policies represented in the Expropriation Act, despite tensions with Washington. Drawing from the constitution, Lamola stated, “The foundational elements of redress are powerfully articulated in the preamble of the Constitution,” highlighting the nation’s resolve to pursue transformative objectives across various sectors.
In conclusion, South Africa, under the guidance of Minister Ronald Lamola, aims to uphold its principled stance in international diplomacy while prioritizing constructive engagement over conflict. The government is determined to maintain beneficial trade relations with the United States and uphold its commitments to progressive internationalism, particularly regarding international justice related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alongside its domestic redress policies.
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