Pretoria – South Africa will count on France’s support in ensuring the effective implementation of the United Nations Resolution 2033, which provides for closer coordination between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.
These were remarks by President Jacob Zuma during a state banquet held in Pretoria last night in honour of visiting French President Francois Hollande.
“South Africa believes that to comprehensively address this challenge of peace and security on the continent, there is a need for closer cooperation between the United Nations Peace and Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council,” said Zuma.
He said the resolution accorded the AU “a leading role” in facilitating the resolution of conflicts on the continent with the support of the United Nations.
“At a multilateral level there is a need for us to further intensify our collaboration and partnership.
“This we should do, among others, to encourage faster reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, so that this important world body can become a truly democratic forum, reflecting the political and other realities of the 21st century.”
The two also agreed on Monday that intervention is needed in the Central African Republic to help stabilise the country.
Apart from peace and security cooperation, Zuma added that the relations between France and South Africa could only grow from strength to strength following Hollande’s visit.
In 2012, more than 120 000 French tourists visited South Africa, an increase of 16% compared to 2011. “This shows great potential, which we will continue to harness,” he said.
Among the agreements reached on Monday was for France to supply the Passenger Rail Agency of SA with more than 3 000 train carriages. – SAnews.gov.za
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