2.2 The DG, Dr Ntsaluba, provided the background to the distribution of the budget. He referred to the strategic priorities for the period 2010- 2013 as the stated in the State of the Nation Address 2008, as the line of action that South Africa will continue to pursue, and it includes the following: . Strengthening the political and economic integration in SADC; resuscitation of NEPAD and improving regional climate for growth; . Promote the attainment of MDGs in Africa in 2015; . Intensify mainstreaming of gender issues into the African Union activities; . Accelerate the establishment of SADPA and its rationalisation with African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF); . Support peace building in the Great Lakes Region, though concerned with elections intended for 2011 as rebels in the east of the DRC are regrouping; . Pursue political solutions in Madagascar; . The AU has once again lent its support for South Africa's candidacy to the UN Security Council, and South Africa's focus will be to strengthen cooperation between AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council; . Continue to support implementation of Zimbabwe's GPA and facilitate the political dialogue in the country; encourage private sector to invest in Zimbabwe following the conclusion of BIPPA, signed in November 2009; . Closely cooperate with Nigeria as a strong ally to support enforcement of peace, security and development in the region; . Enhance efforts to normalise relations with Morocco, in order to gain its confidence to pursue a solution to the plight of the Saharawi people in their fight for self-determination; . Send election observers to Sudan and continue to support initiatives for peaceful dialogue towards reaching a sustainable solution in Darfur; . Since President Zuma took office, there has been a deliberate initiative to close ranks with leaders in the SADC region. It is with realisation that a divided SADC could weaken the African Agenda; SA will enhance economic activity and development in the region to strengthen integration; SA to endeavour to assist with industrialisation of the region; and . continue to assist international efforts aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict.