JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday reaffirmed the country's commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, calling for stronger international cooperation amid growing global uncertainty.
Ramaphosa made the remarks while receiving letters of credence from newly accredited heads of mission to South Africa in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital.
He said conflicts in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, continued to exact a heavy human toll, disrupt global trade and undermine food and energy security. At the same time, the multilateral system was under considerable strain, he said.
The answer to the crisis facing multilateralism was not "less multilateralism," but better, more representative and more effective multilateralism, Ramaphosa said.
"International law must apply consistently, without exception or favor. The principles of the United Nations Charter must be respected by all nations, whatever their economic or military power. We cannot build a stable international order on selective justice, unilateralism or the idea that might makes right," he said.
He reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to dialogue, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the protection of civilians and respect for human rights. He stressed that the country sought constructive relations with all nations, regardless of their political systems or economic models, guided by mutual respect, equality and shared interests.
The newly accredited heads of mission represented South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Germany, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste, Maldives, France and Nigeria, as well as the European Union. ■
