Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Foreign Affairs retreat has reaffirmed its shared commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and building a more resilient and competitive SADC region. The three-day gathering brought together Foreign Affairs Ministers and senior officials from the region to discuss and assess the impact of current geopolitical developments. The retreat was held in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga. Lamola says if SADC countries work together, the region would be able to cushion member states
against external shocks. The Middle East conflict has put a strain on crude oil supply across the world, which resulted in increased fuel prices. Lamola adds that SADC countries possess significant natural and economic resources. Mozambique is a major African gas producer, while Angola remains the continent’s second-largest oil producer after Nigeria. “The retreat deliberated on five thematic areas … financing regional integration, investment, public debt management and oil and gas and mineral resources [among others],” adds Lamola. He says finance ministers will map a
clear plan on how to finance the implementation of these plans. On the boycotting of Africa Day celebrations, Lamola says they are aware that a certain ambassador has been trying to recruit other ambassadors to snub the Africa Day celebrations. He says he’s happy that all ambassadors in the country will be taking part in Africa Day celebrations. VIDEO | Interview with Lamola
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