Embassy Activities

Remarks By Ambassador Malefane at the IBSA Exhibition in Antalya, Turkey on 27 November 2017

Honourable Minister Çavuşoğlu

Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Turkey

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed a privilege for me to be part of this platform of dialogue which is hosted by Turkey and the UN South-South Cooperation Office. Let me begin my short remarks by referring to the words of one of the greatest spiritual leaders who said, “The reality today is that we are all interdependent and have to co-exist on this small planet. Therefore, the only sensible and intelligent way of resolving differences and clashes of interests, whether between individuals or nations, is through dialogue”. We are delighted to be part of this important occasion and to stand before you and recount the commitments made by the political leaders of countries forming this noble and progressive dialogue platform.

Key to these commitments is the UN Agenda 2030 which is a shared vision for global development. It is also complimented by the AU’s Agenda 2063 which seeks to create a prosperous Africa that is based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Further commitments were made by IBSA member countries during the 8^th Trilateral Ministerial Commission (ITMC) meeting of the IBSA dialogue forum on 17 October 2017 held in South Africa. The core focus of the meeting was to consolidate the political and socio-economic dimension of IBSA.

One of the biggest successes of this formation remains the IBSA fund for the alleviation of poverty and hunger. The meeting in Durban allowed IBSA to correctly operationalize this unique development funding model and released the committed us $36 million for developmental projects around the world.

It is also correct to note that the meeting also covered the following issues of global importance:

• The commitment to continue with the principles, norms and values of IBSA in advancing issues of the global south
• IBSA’s continued cooperation and coordination with other multilateral formations in securing progress on issues related to the global south
• Recommitment on the issue of the reformation of the security council of the united nations as a basis for equal and fair representation of nation states
• The progressive attainment of the aims of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development
• The lauding of the Paris agreement on climate change entry into force
• The condemnation of terrorist attacks across the globe, and
• The respect for human rights

In conclusion, my country South Africa and its friends India and Brazil will continue to be vocal on important issues affecting us and the rest of humanity. Here I am referring to issues like:

• The resolution of the conflicts.
• Political stability.
• The nuclear threats and war talk.
• And working for democracy, good governance and the rule of law in our continent and across the globe.

We regard the South-South Cooperation and the Triangular Cooperation as being important cornerstones of development activities and remain vital modalities for action as compliments for North-South cooperation. Let us follow in the words of Mahatma Gandhi when he said, “be the change you want to see in the world”.

I thank you.