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Solidarity has warned that the latest remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, regarding South Africa's relationship with Iran are not in the country's national interest, but instead further undermine South Africa's economic interests, international trade prospects and AGOA.

According to Jaco Kleynhans, Head of International Liaison at Solidarity, Lamola is mistaken in claiming that his approach places South Africa's interests first.

"Minister Lamola says he is acting in South Africa's interests, yet a further deepening of South Africa's relationship with Iran is, in fact, contrary to the country's interests. The question is not whether Washington dictates, or should dictate, South Africa's foreign policy. The real question is whether an increasingly close relationship with Iran serves the economic interests of South Africans. The answer is no," said Kleynhans.

He said that Solidarity agrees that South Africa should determine its own independent foreign policy. However, such a policy must ultimately benefit ordinary South Africans and should not pursue ideological objectives that cause economic harm.

"This is taking place at an extremely sensitive time. Negotiations are currently under way regarding the future of AGOA, trade tariffs and a possible new trade agreement between South Africa and the United States.

"Any further deterioration in the relationship between the two countries will reduce South Africa's chances of securing a favourable trade outcome."

Kleynhans said the consequences of these reckless remarks would ultimately not be borne by politicians, but by ordinary South Africans.

"When exports decline, investment is withheld and trade opportunities are lost, it is workers, manufacturers, farmers and their families who pay the price. Thousands of jobs depend on strong trade ties with the United States," he said.

Solidarity therefore calls on the South African government to base its foreign policy on the country's economic and strategic interests, rather than further damaging South Africa's relationship with one of its most important trading partners through unnecessary geopolitical posturing.

Issued by Solidarity