President Cyril Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy in the NCOP, saying it enables engagement with global powers while protecting sovereignty, promoting dialogue and advancing national interests internationally.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy amid renewed questions in Parliament over the country’s relations with China, Russia and Iran, as well as tensions with the United States over trade tariffs and diplomatic positioning.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come after US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III criticised South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy stance on X, referencing its engagements with China and Iran, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to Beijing.
Answering questions during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) question and answer session on Thursday, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s foreign policy is grounded in the Constitution and guided by principles of human rights, peace, multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
He said the country engages globally on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference, adding that South Africa does not regard itself as having enemies.
