Ramaphosa of the Pan-African Parliament: Continental integration, security and development are at the top of the continent's priorities
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril RamaphosaThe Pan-African Parliament headquarters in Midrand, during an official visit in which he stressed the importance of strengthening joint African action to confront the challenges facing the continent.
The South African President was received by the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Dr. Fateh Abutabik, along with the Vice-Presidents of the Parliament, including the Third Vice-President, Jedha Maamar Mohamed, and a number of senior parliamentary officials.
Issues that concern the African continent
During the official session, Ramaphosa delivered a speech addressing the most prominent issues of concern to the African continent, stressing the need to move forward with the path of regional integration under the umbrella of the African Union, enhance security and stability, accelerate the pace of economic development, along with the sustainable management of water resources, and the implementation of the objectives of Agenda 2063.
The South African president stressed the importance of uniting efforts among African countries to confront common challenges, in order to contribute to achieving sustainable development and enhancing the continent’s position on the international stage.
The session witnessed a wide attendance from members of the Pan-African Parliament, representatives of institutions and bodies of the African Union, along with a number of personalities and guests, in a scene that reflected the importance of the visit and its messages supporting the unity of the continent and strengthening cooperation between African countries.
In another context, in a move reflecting Pretoria's desire to contain the escalating tension with Accra, South Africa dispatched its Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa to Ghana.
The move comes in an attempt to restore warmth to bilateral relations after Ramaphosa's official visit was postponed due to escalating xenophobic attacks within South Africa.
Messages of reassurance between Pretoria and Accra
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama confirmed that talks with the South African envoy addressed growing concerns about the targeting of foreigners, particularly African investors and traders.
He stressed that his country is not hostile to South Africa, but believes that the repetition of these attacks necessitates serious action to address their political and economic repercussions.
For his part, Lamola explained that he conveyed a direct message from President Ramaphosa, emphasizing his country’s commitment to dialogue and its categorical rejection of xenophobia, racism and violence in all its forms, while stressing respect for the rule of law and support for safe and orderly migration within the continent.
