Parliament, Wednesday, 21 February 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans met with a delegation from the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. The purpose of the meeting was to improve bilateral relations on issues of common interest.
South Africa and Norway maintain an annual dialogue at a ministerial level, with discussions on a wide range of country-specific, regional and global issues.
The Norwegian delegation said excellent relations between South Africa and Norway are well-established, and the current volatile regional and international environment is posing challenges for both countries to navigate. The Norwegians highlighted that the two countries have partnered on several peace-building initiatives, including the training of peace mediators, the Women Peace and Security Agenda, and exchanging ideas on conflict resolution and mediation efforts.
Ms Ines Eriksen Søreide, the leader of the delegation and a Member of the Norwegian Parliament, said one of the main reasons for the visit is because of South Africa’s enormous impact on the world stage. In addition, Ms Søreide said, the two countries share common interests and values, such as upholding international law and other multilateral systems.
Ms Søreide also told the committee that to maintain the United Nations’ legitimacy and representativeness, Norway has for many years advocated that Africa must have a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council to reflect the current global order.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, replied saying: “We believe in multilateralism and resolution of conflicts wherever they might be in the world. And, no matter how difficult and complex they may be, they need to be resolved through peaceful means.”
Mr Mahumapelo further urged that communication on the strong and healthy relations between the two countries should be strengthened even further. He also encouraged the Norwegians to intensify their investments in South Africa.
The South African committees welcomed the Norwegian support and recognition of South Africa as an important and strategic alliance partner, particularly on peace initiatives. They also welcomed the value Norway has placed in South African knowledge and experience.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour