South Africa seeks stronger US ties while maintaining non-aligned policy

South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has affirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States through trade, investment, and cooperation. Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations discussion during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lamola emphasized that South Africa intends to pursue these mutually beneficial economic relations while maintaining its non-aligned foreign policy and constitutional framework.

Key areas for bilateral engagement include the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), critical minerals, and the G20. Lamola also addressed the reform of the United Nations Security Council and South Africa's role within BRICS.

Addressing domestic concerns, Lamola defended South Africa as a functioning constitutional democracy with independent executive, judicial, and legislative branches. He explicitly rejected allegations of genocide against white Afrikaners, stating that such claims are not supported by evidence and do not reflect the reality of the country’s commitment to unity in diversity.