Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to attend the XVI NAM Ministerial Conference and 50th Commemorative Meeting

Pretoria - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is scheduled to attend the XVI Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bali, Indonesia, from 23 to 27 May 2011 under theme of: “Shared Vision on the Contribution of NAM for the next 50 years”.

The inaugural conference of Non-Aligned Heads of State, at which 25 countries were represented, was convened at Belgrade, Serbia in September 1961 – the current membership of the Non-Aligned Movement stands at 118 member states. The main goals and objectives of the NAM are contained in the Ten Bandung Principles, which outlines, amongst others, the relations among member states, serves as the criteria for membership, and corresponds with the key beliefs of the United Nations.  The Non-Aligned Movement played a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle and for a democratic South Africa – as its core principles are rooted in the promotion of freedom, equality and justice.  The Republic of South Africa joined the Non-Aligned Movement after the democratic elections of 1994.  

The upcoming conference serves as a mid-term Ministerial Review of developments and implementation of the decisions made at the XV Summit of the NAM in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2009. The Indonesia 2011 conference will evaluate the latest international developments, particularly those related to the issues of interest for NAM member countries, and assess the achievements made so far in the process of revitalising and strengthening the Non-Aligned Movement since the last Summit.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will lead the South Africa delegation and will serve on the Bureau of the XVI Ministerial Conference as one of the eight (8) Vice–chairs from Africa.  It is anticipated that the Meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine will be held on 26 May 2011 in parallel to the General Debate.  The Republic of South Africa serves as a member of the NAM Committee on Palestine, along with Algeria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palestine, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is accompanied by Ambassador SG Nene and other senior government officials.

For further information please contact Mr Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria

23 May 2011