Respect the spirit of rules-based international order

Members of the portfolio committee on international relations and cooperation have been asked to promote the spirit of the rules-based international order in all their diplomatic engagements.

- Jarryd Westerdale

The department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) yesterday responded to questions about the current conflict in the Middle East.

The committee had met to discuss the African Renaissance Fund. However, attention shifted momentarily to the rapidly evolving tensions between Gulf states, the US and Israel.

Dirco Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka was asked by committee members if the department's stance had changed since the bombing of Iran began 12 days ago.

President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement on the first weekend of the conflict, with Dirco following suit on 6 March.