PRETORIA – South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has told resident Heads of Mission from Asia and the Middle East that “A better tomorrow is possible” despite growing global instability, rising inequality and ongoing conflicts.
Lamola was addressing ambassadors, high commissioners and chargés d’affaires during a diplomatic engagement hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The meeting marked the second such gathering since he assumed office.
He opened by acknowledging Ambassador Mark Holmeson, Ambassador Lali and other envoys present, while noting that Deputy Minister Muraka was unable to attend due to a family bereavement. 
“We meet again today to exchange views on important global and regional developments,” Lamola said, extending a welcome to newly appointed Heads of Mission from Asia and the Middle East and wishing them a successful tour of duty in South Africa.
The meeting took place as South Africa marks Freedom Month, with Lamola invoking the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He recalled Mandela’s 1993 reflections that the world remained dangerous and required continued commitment to human rights, peace, dialogue and international cooperation.
Lamola said Mandela’s vision of a foreign policy grounded in justice, international law, peace, cooperation and responsiveness to Africa remains relevant, though today’s global landscape presents new and complex pressures.
He pointed to widening inequality, stating that the top 10 percent own 75 percent of global wealth while the bottom 50 percent own only 2 percent and receive 8 percent of global income. He also cited the imbalance in global spending, noting that in 2024 the world spent 2.7 trillion US dollars on defence, an amount he described as 750 times larger than the United Nations budget.
The minister warned that continued military spending at that scale would reduce resources available for education, climate action, pandemic preparedness and hunger eradication. He added that international law is increasingly under strain, with conflicts continuing in parts of Africa including the Great Lakes region and Sudan.
On the Middle East, Lamola said South Africa supports dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict. He called for cessation of all attacks and strict compliance with international law to prevent further escalation.
“We note the current initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict in the Middle East, and advancing a just, sustainable, and a lasting peace,” he said, adding that any ceasefire should include Lebanon and that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all affected nations must be respected.
He stressed that civilians and infrastructure must never be targeted and urged all parties to engage in good faith negotiations supported by credible and impartial mediation.
Lamola said although many countries may be geographically distant from battlefields, none are shielded from the economic fallout. He warned of soaring energy prices, industrial disruption and inflationary pressures affecting both Africa and Asia.
With the International Monetary Fund set to convene its spring meetings in Washington, he indicated that global growth projections are expected to be revised downward. The World Food Programme estimates that up to 45 million more people could face acute hunger, particularly in import reliant economies.
Turning to South Africa’s policy direction, Lamola outlined four priorities. First, he said the country remains committed to human rights, constitutionalism, national interest and non alignment, while advancing the aspirations of Africa and the global south.
Second, South Africa aims to deepen trade with traditional partners while expanding economic ties with emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. He said in 2025 South Africa received over 60,000 visitors from the Middle East and more than 421,000 from Asia and Oceania. Exports to Asia and Oceania reached over 6.303 trillion rand in 2025, representing 29 percent of total global exports.
Third, he called for stronger African agency in peace processes and for mineral wealth to drive industrialisation. He noted that Africa holds over 90 percent of global platinum reserves and more than 70 percent of global cobalt supply, yet continues to struggle with poverty. He said beneficiation at source is central to economic justice and sovereignty.
Fourth, Lamola said foreign policy credibility depends on domestic reform. He announced that South Africa had recorded a historic tax collection milestone of 2 trillion rand. At the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, nearly 900 billion rand in pledges were secured across more than 80 projects.
He thanked countries represented for their participation in the investment conference and acknowledged concerns raised about visa challenges, infrastructure and organised crime. He said government is working with Home Affairs to address visa bottlenecks and continuing efforts to combat corruption.
On behalf of Cyril Ramaphosa, Lamola also expressed appreciation for the support extended to South Africa during its G20 presidency, saying that solidarity from partner countries contributed to its success.
“I know that even in the house we don’t have everyone who agree with everything. But the world was built on continuing to open the lines of communications, bridging the gaps of engagement and opening the lines of dialogue. This is where opportunities lie to find long-lasting solutions and peace.
South Africa stands ready to work with their countries to deepen friendship and cooperation and to build partnership that responds to the needs of our people,” he said.
