By Amy Musgrave
The African National Congress’ international relations and cooperation unit has met for the first time since the formation of the Government of National Unity, acknowledging that it needs to do more to influence the global agenda.
“The retreat acknowledged that towards the [latter] decade, our coherent approach to the African Agenda lost momentum, and we see it in the pushback of Africa’s influence and sovereignty,” the party said on Sunday.
The party has, therefore, decided to establish of a foreign policy think tank, which will include a focus on building party-to-party relationships.
“Our national interest and the African agenda are complementary, and key to our mission is to work with the masses of our people and the motive forces, to tackle head-on the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” the party said in statement.
“We must also work towards strengthening the Pan-African women’s [movement], the revival of the African youth movements, students, trade unions, cultural, business, farmers and other sectors, so that they play their rightful role in African development and institutions.”
Concerning regional and international economic institutions, the meeting agreed that South Africa must adopt a more seamless and coherent approach.
The ANC continues to see international relations as a key platform to advance and create a better world for all citizens.
“We remain committed to the founding values of our struggle, and whose aim remains the attainment of a humane, just, equitable and democratic world.”
INSIDE POLITICS
