Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says the country will continue to play a pivotal role regarding conflict resolution on the continent. Addressing a Parliamentary media briefing here this morning, the Minister said government was content with its foreign policy over the past ten years, adding there would not be any major policy changes in this regard.

Dlamini-Zuma told journalists South Africa was contributing to the rest of the continent and this would remain a priority in the next ten years.

She cited the country's involvement in conflict resolution in countries such as Lesotho, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, saying South Africa had worked hard to create a stable environment in the region.

The country has played a decisive role in helping bring peace in the DRC, hosting the Inter-Congolese Dialogue for example, which resulted in the establishment of an all-inclusive transitional government in the post-war country.

Last month, President Thabo Mbeki led a top delegation comprising business, which saw the signing of corporation and investment deals in the mineral rich country.

During the two-day visit, business leaders, including Tokyo Sexwale of Mvelaphanda Holdings and Zwelakhe Sisulu of Afrimineral Holdings jointly signed R60-billion worth of mining deals with the DRC.

These include the development of oil and gas exploration, diamond mining projects, railway and transport, ports development and property development, among others.

Dlamini-Zuma said South Africa's international relations were driven by the understanding that the country had to contribute to a more equitable world, to a world where every human being could walk tall with dignity.

That dignity was coupled with security and stability, economic development and human development.

Dlamini-Zuma said South Africans should not enjoy peace and stability alone, while the rest of the continent was left out.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Lekota told reporters that South Africa was conscious not to treat other countries as if their contributions were not important.

"We have sought to take decisions with our sister countries in the region and in the continent, the strength of our contribution has been to strengthen, in this way African solidarity," Lekota added.

He added the country had not acted as "Big Brother" on the continent, but as a partner with countries in the region. – BuaNews.