Latest news with #InternationalRelationsandCooperation
News18
05-08-2025
- Business
- News18
SAfrica poses no threat to US economy or its national security: Govt
Last Updated: Johannesburg, Aug 5 (PTI) South Africa poses no threat to the US economy or its security, the government said here, adding that the 30 per cent tariff on the country is 'inscrutable." 'South Africa's minimal 0.25 per cent share of total US imports makes the 30 per cent tariff on our country are inscrutable, especially when these same tariffs have been applied indiscriminately to all US trading partners globally. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said in a joint statement on Monday. 'South Africa poses no trade threat to the US economy nor its national security," the statement added. 'South Africa isn't just a trading partner—we're a major investor in the US, with our companies sustaining American jobs. Similarly, over 600 US companies in South Africa contribute to our industrial growth and create employment," they said, adding that South Africa's goal is to preserve and grow the mutually beneficial relationships with the US. The ministers said that South Africa's agriculture exports are even counter-seasonal, filling the gaps in the US market rather than replacing domestic products, such as in the case of citrus exports. The ministers also challenged the calculation of the US-SA 'trade deficit" as announced by Trump, claiming that it ignores the substantial US trade surplus in services, as well as the complementary nature of the bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries. But against the reality of the impact on local trade and industry, the ministers announced some mitigation plans. These include the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike, as well as support with diversification of markets. The desk will provide support measures for the diversification of export markets for increased resilience and facilitate the entry into alternative markets for affected exporters. Measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa are also being finalised. The ministers said that South Africa has been strengthening trade and investment partnerships with various trade partners. 'These efforts are bearing fruit, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Americas," they said. 'We are also working with the Department of Labour on measures to mitigate potential job losses, using existing instruments within its entities that can be adjusted to respond to the current challenges," the statement said. 'While facing global trade challenges, South Africa is proactively building a more resilient agricultural sector. We've made significant progress in opening up vast new markets like China and Thailand, securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others," they added. Singling out China alone as a USD 200 billion market, the ministers expressed confidence in expanding South Africa's reach and creating new opportunities for its agricultural producers. The US is currently South Africa's third biggest trading partner, behind the European Union and China. ('Because) The US accounts for 7.5 per cent of our global exports, we will continue to engage the US with a view to conclude a deal that advances the interests of both countries. 'South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation, rather than extractive relations that deprive the country of the ability to beneficiate our mineral wealth by mimicking extractive colonial era trade relations," the statement firmly asserted. 'While the current measures present challenges, it also presents opportunities to build and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and to develop new partnerships in markets that have remained untapped, including ASEAN and Türkiye," the ministers shared. PTI FH RD RD RD (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 21:15 IST News agency-feeds SAfrica poses no threat to US economy or its national security: Govt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
IOL News
05-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SA is no threat to the US, ministers say in response to Trump tariffs
South Africa has been engaging the US at various levels with a view to ensure predictability in trade, Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau say of Trump's tariffs. The South African government has criticised the United States' decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on local exports, saying it undermines months of efforts to reset trade relations and has been influenced by unnamed 'actors'. In a joint statement, the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said, 'since the beginning of the 7th Administration, South Africa embarked on a process to stabilise and enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations with the US. The aim has been to address long-standing bilateral issues of concern for both sides in ways that move the trade relations forward.' They made the point that South Africa has been engaging the US at various levels with a view to ensure predictability in trade. 'However, even with these efforts, the US decided to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on South African exports. It is unfortunate that this government's efforts in resetting the relationship with the US has been undermined by some actors within South African society,' the ministers said, without specifying who these 'actors' are. The tariffs took effect from last Friday. Goods already in transit before the effective date that will land in the US by October 5 will remain subject to the current 10% tariff. As far back as May, South Africa submitted a 'comprehensive and ambitious Framework Deal' to Washington aimed at addressing the US trade deficit, tariffs, digital trade, investment and non-tariff barriers, the joint statement said.
Daily Maverick
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Lamola calls for more countries to ‘urgently' recognise Palestinian statehood at UN conference
The international legal and multilateral system has been turned into a blunt tool, says Lamola. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has urged more countries to 'urgently' recognise a Palestinian state at a United Nations (UN) conference this week that was devoted to a two-state solution. Speaking at the high-level conference in New York on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, Lamola said the recognition of Palestinian statehood was 'fundamental to restoring the credibility of the two-state solution'. 'Global attention is on this conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian state existing side by side with the state of Israel in peace and security. This expectation is not misplaced, and it could not be higher. 'Eighty years since the founding of the UN, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience. The solution lies with a tangible recommitment from all of us to the values that bind us,' said Lamola. South Africa is anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence. Global attention is on this Conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable… — Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) July 29, 2025 Lamola was among dozens of high-level representatives who gathered at the UN this week to promote a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The UN General Assembly decided in September last year that such a conference would be held in 2025, after it adopted a resolution related to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The conference was postponed in June after Israel attacked Iran. Both Israel and the US have boycotted the three-day meeting, chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. In a statement issued on Monday, the US State Department called the conference a 'publicity stunt' that 'will prolong the war'. The high-level meeting is taking place against the backdrop of the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, as starvation grips the region as a result of Israel's restrictions on aid. On Tuesday, the leading international authority on hunger crises said that the 'worst-case scenario of famine' was unfolding in Gaza, and called for an urgent ceasefire to 'alleviate the catastrophic suffering of people' in the region. 'Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths. The latest data indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City,' read the alert from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). 🚨 #GazaStrip Alert The worst-case scenario of #Famine is rapidly unfolding in the #GazaStrip amid relentless conflict, displacements, and extremely limited humanitarian access. 📄 Read more: @TheIPCinfo #FoodInsecurity #Malnutrition — The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (@theIPCinfo) July 29, 2025 'This conference takes place at a time when we are witnessing the destruction of Gaza and its people in real time, in a brazen and wanton act of genocide in full view of the world,' said Lamola. 'South Africa continues to condemn the horrific events of 7 October 2023 where innocent Israeli citizens were killed. Despite this challenging context, in which the international legal and multilateral system has been paralysed and turned into a blunt tool, the focus today on a real path to lasting peace must prevail. 'The might is right doctrine can no longer be justified. It has led to perpetual insecurity and it justifies an attempt to eradicate the Palestinian people through killing and starvation,' he said. Lamola added that South Africa hoped the conference would 'plot a real path forward, based on concrete actions, for the creation of a Palestinian state existing peacefully and side by side with the state of Israel, along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital'. Recognition of a Palestinian state The UN conference, which began on Monday, came days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. Macron made the announcement in a surprise statement on X, following months of hints and hesitations over potential French recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a report from The New York Times. Speaking to delegates in New York, Lamola welcomed France's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood as 'an important step towards achieving a two-state solution'. At the opening of the talks on Monday, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France was ready to fully recognise the state of Palestine at a time when the two-state solution is 'more threatened than ever'. 'Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative,' he said. According to a report from The Guardian, Barrot said that the UN conference would also serve as a platform for other European countries to recognise Palestinian statehood. On Tuesday afternoon, the UK followed France, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that Britain would recognise the state of Palestine in September if Israel did not agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. My statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and our plan for peace including the recognition of a Palestinian State. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 29, 2025 Speaking at the UN on Tuesday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK intended to recognise the state of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathered in September. 'We will do this unless the Israeli government acts to end the appalling situation in Gaza, ends its military campaign and commits to a long-term sustainable peace based on a two-state solution,' he said. DM
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA pushes for two-state solution in Palestine, peace must prevail'
Israel's closest ally, the United States, was absent from the conference. South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has dominated the Middle East. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking at the United Nations International Conference on Tuesday, emphasised that discussions on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine are crucial. Lasting peace 'This conference takes place at a time when we are witnessing the destruction of Gaza and its people in real time, in a brazen and wanton act of genocide in full view of the world,' Lamola said 'Despite this challenging context, in which the international legal and multilateral system has been paralysed and turned into a blunt tool, the focus today on a real path to lasting peace must prevail. 'The might is right doctrine can no longer be justified. It has led to perpetual insecurity, and it justifies an attempt to eradicate the Palestinian people through killing and starvation,' Lamola said. ALSO READ: Trump contradicts Netanyahu, Palestinians in Gaza facing 'real starvation' [VIDEO] Palestinian statehood During the conference, which was not attended by Israel's closest ally, the United States, Lamola said South Africa is 'anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence'. He stressed the following points as fundamental to restoring the credibility of the two-state solution. 'All states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected. In this regard, South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the State of Palestine by France as an important step towards achieving a two-state solution.' Lamola stressed that there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel's continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank. 'This is part of a systematic pattern of injustices and oppression of Palestinians since the adoption of Resolution 181 and the subsequent Nakba in 1948. These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part.' South Africa is anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence. Global attention is on this Conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable… — Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) July 29, 2025 ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ Two-state solution Thirdly, he said, preserving the viability of the two-state solution must include promoting safeguards such as the full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and human rights law. 'It is necessary for the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations and the Provisional measures, as well as Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.' Lamola reiterated that not only Israel, but all states, must comply with the collective obligations under international law. 'We all have a duty to preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability. It's against this backdrop that we have seen the establishment of The Hague Group, and the recent meeting of the Madrid Group to elevate the primacy of international law, promote accountability and ensure a just peace.' Obstacles Lamola added that all obstacles to the two-state solution should be removed. 'The halting of illegal Israeli settlement expansion, the removal of the illegal separation wall cutting across the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the resumption of all internationally reputable humanitarian relief efforts and the reconstruction of Gaza, which of course can only take place once there is peace.' Reminder Lamola reminded his counterparts that global attention was on this Conference. 'There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. 'This expectation is not misplaced, and it could not be higher. Eighty years since the founding of the United Nations, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience. The solution lies with a tangible re-commitment from all of us to the values that bind us,' Lamola said. UK to recognise Palestine On Tuesday, the British prime minister announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state should Israel not agree to a Gaza ceasefire by September. 'I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a press briefing after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 'I can confirm the UK will recognise the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.' France France commended Starmer's announcement on Tuesday, with the country's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying the UK 'joins today in the momentum created by France for the recognition of the State of Palestine.' Israel's foreign ministry said the move harms efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release the remaining hostages held in the territory. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Minister Lamola urges G20 to end exploitation of Africa's mineral wealth
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says Africa's minerals must benefit Africans. He calls on the G20 to end exploitative trade and build a fair global order rooted in equity, local value, and shared prosperity. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has called for a fairer, more equitable global order and an end to exploitative resource extraction practices that disadvantage Africa, stating that the G20 must drive transformational diplomacy, global peace, and sustainable development. Speaking at the G20 Sherpa Meeting hosted in Sun City, North West Province, Lamola warned that the global economy is under increasing strain from geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism, and climate-induced disasters. He urged the G20 to be bold in reforming multilateral institutions and ensuring equitable participation for developing nations. 'This is not just economics; it is Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability – the theme of our Presidency,' said Lamola. 'The G20 is a platform that can ensure: the era of extraction without equity ends, and we begin an era of true partnership and collaboration for the good of sustainable development across countries.' Lamola reminded delegates that South Africa's international outlook is rooted in its liberation struggle, referencing the 1955 Freedom Charter, which declared: 'There shall be peace and friendship!' 'The Freedom Charter became the foundational document of our Constitution. It informs our constitutional and international outlook, it has a 70-year-old foundation; it will never change,' he said.
