Chairperson, the fundamental principles that underpin our foreign policy include, amongst other principles, a commitment to the promotion of democracy, a commitment to justice and international law and a commitment to economic development in a global and integrated world.
As we battle with the scourge of the global economic meltdown, it is imperative that our budget reflects this reality. Our foreign relations programme consumes almost 60% of the department's budget. This means we need to make sure that we invest our resources in programmes that add value to South Africa. We need to review our obligations to avoid contradictions. Some of the programmes yield very little or no results at all.
Let me refer to the department's Strategic Plan 2009-2012 which highlights the following objectives. When it comes to strengthening North-South relations, we have in recent years dented our image and relations with the EU as a result of our foreign policy contradictions and stance. We need to reaffirm our commitment to democracy, development, peace and good governance and our record as a champion of human rights. We need to be clear and align our approach, based on the guiding principles of our Constitution, and to build bridges. We need to reactivate our leading role and work together with the EU and the G8 to ensure accountability.
The other programme is to participate in the global system of governance. As we participate in the UN and all of its agencies, our conduct should be beyond reproach. Our conduct in recent times in this forum has been driven by negative controversies based on some of our foreign policy options. We must support the resolution of "Responsibility to Protect" that allows action by the UN where states fail to act in their countries.
We must hold countries and their leaders accountable and not offer patronage and solidarity while the people suffer. We must also keep in mind that we are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. We must support its actions and role to ensure democracy, international law, justice and accountability.
The programme on strengthening South-South relations must be handled with care, and we need to ensure that we establish the rules of the road so that we keep our values and norms in mind and do not compromise them, hence selling our soul to the highest bidder.
The other important programme is that of public diplomacy. In this regard I want to agree with the chairperson of the portfolio committee on the need for mass-based foreign policy. This programme is most essential in ensuring that civil society is brought to the table when discussing foreign policy. This programme should make an impact on the ground to inform, educate and engage our stakeholders in business, civil society and ordinary citizens on foreign policy issues. South Africans should know and form part of our foreign policy decision-making processes. Taking the Dalai Lama saga as an example, we should be transparent and open. We must look at putting more resources into this programme.
The department's annual report for 2007-08 highlights the following challenges as we strive to strengthen our economy and political relations in the world and Africa. In Africa it is still a zero-sum game with ongoing conflict and little conflict resolution still at the top of the agenda. There is little movement on the continent in achieving development goals, peace, democracy and development.
Asia is an emerging beacon of hope. As relations with these countries begin to take shape, there is a window of opportunity which must be handled with care.
Europe remains our biggest trading partner that needs to be focused on. We need to sign the economic relations agreements as their economies are beginning to revive. We need to learn from both their mistakes and corrective actions and remain true to our principles and values.
Lastly, the US will also be a big partner in finding solutions to the problems of the world. We need to work with them in a spirit of co- operation and mutual respect to realise the African dream.
In conclusion, our foreign policy should promote governments and states that are characterised by institutions that are held accountable by an independent judiciary, by a free media and by a vibrant civil society. We must use aid and trade to encourage growth and the spread of democracy. We must avoid the trap of closed patronage and solidarity and realise the bigger picture which is world peace and democracy.
We need to invest our resources wisely and avoid wasteful expenditure. We need to support programmes which make a difference in the world and to be bold in not supporting those programmes that do not make a difference. We should focus on the achievement of our national trade interests and not on ideology or narrow political party interests. Our moral obligations should be our priority. I thank you. [Applause.]