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The fundamental principles that underpin our foreign policy include, among others, a commitment to the promotion of democracy, a commitment to justice and international law and a commitment to economic development in a global and integrated world.

As we battle with the global economic meltdown it is imperative that our budget reflects this reality. Our foreign relations programme consumes almost 60% of our budget; this means we need to make sure that we invest our resources in programmes that add value to South Africa. We need to review our obligations to avoid contradictions. Some of the programmes yield very little or no results at all.

Mr. Chairperson, let me refer you to the department's Strategic Plan 2009-2012, which highlights the following objectives:

1. To strengthen North-South relations, as we have in the recent years dented our image and our relations with the European Union (EU) because of our foreign policy stance. We need to reaffirm our commitment to democracy, development, peace and good governance and our record as champions of human rights, we need to be clear and align our approach based on our guiding principles of our constitution, and we need to build bridges, re-activate our leading role and work together with EU and the G8 to ensure accountability.

2. To participate in the global system of governance as we participate in the UN and all of its Agencies. Our conduct should be beyond reproach,. But our conduct in recent times in this forum has been driven by negative controversies based on some of our foreign policy options (e.g. Zimbabwe and the Myamar region). We must hold countries and their leaders accountable and not offer patronage and solidarity while the people suffer. We must also keep in mind that we are signatories to the Rome statutes for the establishment of International Criminal Court (ICC), and we must support its actions and role to ensure democracy, justice and accountability.

3. To strengthen South-South relations. This programme must be handled with care and we need to ensure that we establish the "rules of the road" so that we keep our values and norms in mind and not compromise them.

Mr. Chairperson, another other important programme is that of public diplomacy. This programme is most important in ensuring that civil society is brought to the table when discussing foreign policy. This programme should make an impact on the ground to inform, educate and engage our stakeholders in foreign policy issues, business, civil society and ordinary citizens. South Africans should be able to know and form part of our foreign policy-decision making processes.

Mr. Chairperson, the department's Annual Report 2007-2008 highlights the following challenges as we strive to strengthen our economic and political relations with the world and Africa:

1. In Africa it is still a zero sum game with ongoing conflict and little conflict resolution. There is little movement on the continent in achieving development goals, peace, democracy and development.
2. Asia is an emerging beacon of hope. As relations with Asian countries begin to shape up, there is a window of opportunity which must be handled with care.
3. Europe remains our biggest trade partner. We need to sign economic relations agreements with European countries as their economies begin to revive. We need to learn from their mistakes, take corrective actions and remain true to our principles and values.
4. The United States (US) will also be a big partner in finding solutions to the problems of the world. We need to work with them in cooperation and mutual respect to realise the African dream.

In conclusion Mr. Chairperson:

Our foreign policy should promote governments and states characterised by accountable institutions, independent judiciaries, free media and vibrant civil society. We must use aid and trade to encourage growth and the spread of democracy. We must avoid the trap of closed patronage and solidarity and realise the "bigger picture", which is world peace and democracy. We need to invest our resources wisely and avoid wasteful expenditure. We must support programmes which make a difference in the world and also be bold enough not to support those that do not make a difference. We should focus achieving our national trade interest, and not ideology or narrow political party interest. Our moral obligations should be our priority.

I thank you.