By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed her warm welcome to Egypt as it officially joined the ranks of the BRICS nations, marking a significant expansion of the group’s membership.
In a statement delivered on Friday, Pandor hailed Egypt’s inclusion as a milestone that amplifies the global influence of the South.
The BRICS consortium, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has broadened its scope by admitting four new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor’s remarks came during her participation in the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held in Pretoria, where she co-chaired with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Emphasizing the need for enhanced economic ties between South Africa and Egypt, Pandor stressed the importance of bolstering trade and investment partnerships.
She underscored the pivotal role of collaborative efforts between the private sector and state-owned entities, signaling the imminent establishment of a Business Council to facilitate such collaborations.
The decision to form the Business Council, announced by Pandor, is expected to streamline trade and investment activities between the two countries, providing a structured framework for coordination and mobilization of opportunities.
Pandor also urged leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to facilitate smoother trade flows, citing its role in reducing trade barriers and fostering preferential trade relationships, which she deemed mutually beneficial for both nations and the wider African continent.
“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”
She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship.
Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.
Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.”
Expressing concern over the erosion of multilateralism, Pandor condemned unilateral actions that undermine global governance structures and emphasized the need for collective action to uphold international law and justice.
Pandor also addressed ongoing humanitarian crises, including the situation in Palestine and the plight of the Saharawi people, urging for urgent action to address these challenges.
She further said, South African government will continue to support the government and people of South Sudan as their country works towards “consolidating peace, democracy and development”.
The Minister commended South Sudan on the “historic” Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) which was signed in 2018 – bringing an end to conflict in that country which “almost derailed the prospects of building a stable, peaceful and prosperous country”.
“It has been five years since this peace agreement was signed. We are encouraged by the progress achieved thus far. The ceasefire agreement is holding and threats to the country’s peace and stability have been reduced. We believe that with the ongoing work in the establishment of the unified security forces for the country, the security situation will further improve.
“We are encouraged that the parties remain committed to the Revitalised Agreement as the most viable vehicle to address the root causes of the conflict and building sustainable peace in South Sudan,” Pandor said.
South Sudan is expected to hold national elections following a transitional period.
Ahead of this, the country’s National Elections Commission, Political Parties Council and the National Constitution Review Commission have been reconstituted.
Pandor said the elections will be a key moment for South Sudan.
“The people of South Sudan are eagerly waiting for the general elections which will bring the end of the transitional period. These elections will be a watershed moment in the country’s transition to democracy.