President Jacob Zuma has called for lasting peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire.

Speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by French President Nicholas Sarkozy during his state visit to that country, Zuma said South Africa as a member of the African Union High Level Panel on the resolution of the Cote d'Ivoire crisis was in discussion with the parties in that country.

“It is not an easy matter, but we have to help our sisters and brothers in that country to find a political solution soon. We should all work hard to avoid a deepening conflict in that country and help Cote d'Ivoire to emerge from uncertainty. We need lasting peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire,” he said.

Zuma said the AU, working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the support of the international community, was seized with the matter.

He added that it should be possible to find a resolution.

On other matters, President Zuma also said South Africa supported France's emphasis on the issues of commodity prices, food security and the future of the International Monetary System.

“We offer France our full support in addressing these global challenges,” he said.

Zuma is on a state visit to France at the invitation of Sarkozy, accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and a business delegation.

– BuaNews