The core focus of South Africa's foreign policy continues to be Africa's socio-economic development as well as its peace and stability, says foreign affairs deputy minister Aziz Pahad.

However, the policy will now broaden to include Africa's contribution to the fight against international terrorism.

Releasing the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) annual report in Pretoria yesterday, Mr Pahad used the opportunity to call on the world to unite against terrorism.

He said no country was immune to terrorism, adding that the phenomenon of terrorism would affect millions of people and this called for a coordinated effort against terror attacks.

"International relations, peace and security clusters will have to work together in an integrated manner that defeats terrorism," he said.

Speaking about South Africa's role on the continent, Pahad said the process of increasing and expanding 'our presence in the continent began in earnest during 2001.' He said the department would continue with its mission of strengthening solidarity among developing countries of the South and building partnerships with developed countries of the North, in collaboration with other departments that were members of the International Relations Peace and Security (IRPS) cluster.

These departments include defence, national intelligence, safety and security, trade and industry and national treasury.

The deputy minister noted that in an effort to promote the re-birth of Africa, the DFA spearheaded Africa's leaders to adopt the continent's economic revival plan, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad).

"The successful implementation of Nepad will contribute towards lifting the continent from the abyss of poverty and underdevelopment".

"As a further sign of its commitment to Nepad, South Africa hosts the Nepad Secretariat, charged with the responsibility of the implementation of the programme in the continent," Pahad said.

He explained that the DFA would continue to act consciously and consistently to achieve its primary mandate of promoting the country's national interests abroad.

It would engage potential investors and create trading opportunities for South African companies abroad and build positive projects to promote tourism and investment, he explained -BuaNews.