Ramaphosa confirms EU shares SA's view that UN Security Council needs to be reformed
South Africa has long called for the UN Security Council's reform to include more countries, especially those from Africa.
The United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including Iran's recent attack against Israel, at UN headquarters in New York City on 14 April 2024. Picture: Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the European Union (EU) shares South Africa's view that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed to make it more inclusive and democratic.
He also called for greater cooperation between South Africa and the EU in the face of what he described as "great geopolitical turmoil", calling for consistent application of international law.
Ramaphosa was writing in his latest newsletter, where he reflected on last week's South Africa and EU summit held in Cape Town.
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South Africa has long called for the UN Security Council's reform to include more countries, especially those from Africa.
Former minister, Naledi Pandor, over the years has repeatedly called for the reform, particularly the security council with what she called its "undemocratic veto power" for the five permanent members.
The president said this call for more inclusiveness now had the support of the EU.
"In its composition and actions, the security council needs to better reflect the realities of today’s world. We also agreed to strengthen efforts to safeguard and advance human rights across the world," said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said the summit also reaffirmed "the unwavering commitment of South Africa and the EU to multilateralism, the consistent application of international law and the centrality of the United Nations Charter".
Ramaphosa said that one of the most important outcomes of the summit was the "announcement by the EU of an investment package worth €4.7 billion" – which translates to around R90 billion – to support investment projects in South Africa.
He said this package would include grants and loans from European financial institutions and businesses.
The package will also support South Africa's just energy transition "through the development of critical raw minerals and low carbon hydrogen".