Ramaphosa reaffirms SA's commitment to global diplomacy

President says country will continue to engage with partners in the Global North, and Global South

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the nation will persist in its strategic engagement with partners from both the Global North and Global South.

Ramaphosa’s remarks came in the aftermath of a fruitful engagement at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, highlighting South Africa's commitment to bipartisan approach to international relations and diversifying its export markets.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africa's economic diplomacy was centred on securing market access, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.

Drawing inspiration from leading Pan-African advocate Kwame Nkrumah, Ramaphosa said South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South.

“Our approach is neither partisan nor beholden, but strategic,” Ramaphosa said. “At a time when our country faces potentially high tariffs imposed by the US administration, we are continuing to put in place measures that reduce our dependence on historical markets.”