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| Adherence to the UN Charter principles in their entirety and interconnection underwrite international peace and stability |
by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The recently held general political discussion during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly affirmed that the world is going through profound and tectonic changes.
We are witnessing the emergence of a new and fairer multipolar order that reflects the world’s cultural and civilisational diversity. The future world is taking shape in the midst of a battle. The global majority, representing 85 percent of the world's population, advocates a more equitable distribution of global resources and respect of cultural diversity, as well as consistent democratisation of international affairs. On the other hand, a select group of Western nations led by the United States is endeavouring to hinder progress through neo-colonial methods and to maintain its waning dominance.
The disregard for the principle of equality and total inability to reach and honour agreements has become the hallmark of the collective West. Accustomed as they are to looking down at the rest of the world in a leader-follower relationship, the Americans and their Western satellite nations make commitments left and right. Some of them are made in writing and are legally binding, but they disregard them anyway. President Vladimir Putin has accurately called the West an “empire of lies.” Like many other nations, we know this first-hand from the time when even prior to the surrender of Nazi Germany, our WWII allies − Washington and London − were devising plans for a military operation codenamed Unthinkable against the USSR. In 1949, the United States was developing plans for nuclear strikes on the USSR. These plans were thwarted when Moscow developed its own retaliatory capabilities.
Ramaphosa calls for UN to lead negotiations to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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President Ramaphosa attending the Cairo Summit for Peace (photo: Elmond Jiyane/GCIS)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The international community has a responsibility and a duty to support peace, and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue,” the President said.
He made these remarks at the Cairo Summit for Peace, which discussed the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for humanitarian support.
“As South Africa, we hold the firm view that the attack on civilians in Israel, the ongoing siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly move the people of Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force through bombing, are violations of international law. More than that, these acts are an affront to our common humanity.
“We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, the opening of humanitarian corridors and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid on the required scale to the people of Gaza,” President Ramaphosa said.
Xi Jinping: the chief architect of the Belt and Road Initiative
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File photo taken in 1972 shows Xi Jinping, then an "educated youth" in countryside, returning to Beijing to visit his relatives. (Xinhua)
All eyes were on Xi Jinping as the Chinese president hosted state leaders, business executives and scholars from around the world for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
In just 10 years, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xi's signature vision for global development, has become one of the world's most popular public goods, bringing many developing countries chances for leapfrog development.
The gathering, which lasted for two days in Beijing, has offered a historic opportunity for all BRI partners to build on the initiative's remarkable achievements and progress toward common prosperity.
Why did Xi propose the BRI? What's behind the initiative's success? And what does Xi hope to achieve with it?
South Africa Welcomes Heads of Mission
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President Cyril Ramaphosa received Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a Credentials Ceremony in Pretoria. Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa. (Photos: Elmond Jiyane/GCIS)
| United States Ambassador Reflects on the Enduring and Historic Ties with South Africa |
United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E. Brigety II (l) at a lecture at the University of Johannesburg (photo: US Embassy in South Africa)
At a recent talk at the University of Johannesburg, United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E. Brigety II, took the opportunity to delve into the remarkable and deeply historic relationship between the United States and South Africa. This partnership, rooted in shared values and a commitment to justice and equality, has evolved over time into a bond that continues to shape both nations and inspire positive change.
As the US Ambassador to South Africa Brigety finds himself uniquely positioned to explore the intricacies of this remarkable connection, one that goes beyond mere diplomatic ties and politics and permeates the very core of the societies involved, his talk aimed to shed light on this special relationship and further enhance the appreciation of the ties that bind the two nations together.
Ancient Roots of Modern Day Kazakhstan
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Ambassador Yerkin Akhizhanov and Chief Director of Dirco Sindiswa Mququ raising a toast (photo: TDS)
The re-election of Kazakhstan President Tokayev and his administration accelerated the transformation and reform of the country’s political, social and economic policies. Kazakhstan celebrates its Republic Day on 25 October every year. Addressing guests at a reception in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov said that this day has unique significance as it marks a pivotal moment in history when, in 1990, Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union.
Akhinzhanov spoke about the ancient history of this Central Asian country which, for centuries, was a crossroads between East and West along the ancient Silk Road which has been rejuvenated through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI recently celebrated a decade of growth.
Deepening understanding between Korea and South Africa
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A toast to the people of ROK and RSA (photo: TDS)
On the occasion of the Celebration of the National Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic Day of Korea in Pretoria, South Africa Ambassador of Korea Chull-joo Park delivered his remarks on the special relationship between the countries located in different hemispheres over 13 000km apart.
The celebrations were further lifted as the inclusion of Sign Language for the deaf became South Africa’s 12th Official language. Guest of Honour Minister Pravin Gordhan of Public Enterprises for South Africa also tried his hand at signing during his congratulatory remarks and toast to the people of ROK and RSA.
Bhineka Tunggal Ika - Indonesia at 78 - Unity In Diversity
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The Embassy of Indonesia in South Africa recently hosted a Diplomatic Reception to mark the 78th Independence and National Armed Forces Day at Indonesia House in Pretoria, South Africa. The event, brimming with cultural splendor, showcased Indonesia's rich diversity, diplomatic achievements, and historic ties with South Africa, all in the spirit of the motto "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" - Unity in Diversity.
In his remarks, the newly accredited Ambassador Saud Krisnawan expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the resounding support received from the international community. He highlighted the significant milestone of Indonesia's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2024 to 2026. With an impressive mandate, Indonesia, a nation known for its 17,000 islands and 300 diverse ethnicities, is committed to upholding human rights and promoting human development during its term on the council.
Türkiye and South Africa: Strengthening Ties in Uncertain Times
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Ambassador Ayşegül Kandaş and Minister Lindiwe Zulu (photo: TDS)
The Centenary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye took place amid subdued celebrations due to the devastating earthquake that had struck the country earlier this year. While the circumstances may have been less than ideal, Ambassador Ayşegül Kandaş of Türkiye to South Africa seized the opportunity to reflect on the relationship between the two nations at a reception hosted at the Turkish Residence on October 30 in Pretoria, South Africa. In a world marked by conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty, the growing relations between South Africa and Türkiye offer a glimmer of hope for peaceful cooperation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Türkiye and South Africa may be geographically distant, but their historical connections run deep. Both nations have experienced periods of struggle, transition, and transformation. Türkiye's journey from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Republic and South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy have created a shared understanding of the complexities of nation-building and social cohesion.
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