South Africa says its policy of non-alignment should not be mistaken for neutrality. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation was responding to recent remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to South Africa.
Government says South Africa will not be drawn into geopolitical rivalries or pressured to take sides, stressing that its foreign policy is independent and focused on dialogue, peace and national interests.
In a statement, the department of International relations says while the South African Government does not engage in public disputes with resident envoys, these remarks necessitate a clear reaffirmation of the guiding principles.
It says as a sovereign nation, South Africa pursues an independent foreign policy, firmly anchored in the principle of non-alignment.
Pretoria says it prioritises inclusive dialogue, global peace, and its national interests. The department has also noted, what it says, is the inherent contradiction of being publicly scrutinised for engaging Iran and China, the very same states with which the United States continues to actively interact.
About the Author
