Pretoria, 16 March 2023 (TDI): South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa participated as a President of the African National Congress (ANC) in the High-Level meeting between the Communist Party of China and World political Parties.
President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his reelection as President of China for the third time.
While addressing the world leaders, President Cyril applauded the direction of the Chinese Foreign Policy of non-interference taken by the Chinese Government. He urged the political parties to form alliances & solidarity with like-minded political parties.
“Progressive internationalism requires building alliances and solidarity among like-minded parties in both the South and North.
It requires bold advocacy for the fundamental transformation of the global balance of forces, a radical restructuring of global governance, and the forging of a progressive global movement,” he said.
He said the African National Congress (ANC) was “looking forward to deepening the bonds of cooperation” that Chinese president and CPC leader Xi Jinping had “always championed”.
President Cyril said, South Africa applaud China’s “foreign policy posture, because it was based on the principles of non-interference and mutual benefit”.
In February, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a plan for reaching a political settlement in the Ukraine crisis.
Among the 12 points listed were respect for all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, halting unilateral sanctions, and resuming peace talks.
Even though Washington dismissed the plan but Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed some aspects of it.
Xi is reportedly to meet Zelenskiy virtually next week, following a visit to Moscow and a meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
President Cyril also opposed the unipolar world order driven by unilateralism, and he strived for a “multipolar global order based on mutual respect and the creation of win-win partnerships.”
Reforms in International Institutions
President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the reform of international institutions, including the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. He said, “The ANC continues to respect the UN and its charter as the basis for international law.
We continue to call for the reform of international institutions, including the UN Security Council and global financial institutions, to foster peace and stability, inclusive economic growth, and a development path that leaves no one behind.”
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In 2022 also, President Cyril asked the UK “raise its voice in favor of more representative and more inclusive international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions.”
While Addressing in political party conference, he said the world had been facing an economic downturn with an increase in poverty and inequality. “This cannot be allowed to happen in a world that wants to strive for peace, justice, and equality.”