Johannesburg: HE South Africa's Ambassador in Doha, Ghulam Hussein Asmal, has highlighted HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation in the forthcoming G20 Summit as a significant move underscoring the global recognition of Qatar's contributions.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Asmal emphasized that the invitation extended by HE South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to HH the Amir as a distinguished guest underscores the strong personal ties and robust bilateral relations between Doha and Pretoria. He acknowledged Qatar's key role in global geopolitics, particularly in mediation efforts and its influence in the international financial sector.
HE Asmal noted that the invitation reflects mutual respect and a shared commitment by both nations to uphold the rules-based international order and to strengthen multilateralism. He advocated for reforming global institutions, including the UN, to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, which, in turn, empowers these institutions to address global challenges effectively.
The ambassador described South Africa's G20 presidency as a historic milestone for the African continent, presenting an opportunity to tackle issues such as inequality and instability. He highlighted the summit's theme, "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability," as reflecting South Africa's commitment to fostering inclusive development, conserving resources, and amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage.
Regarding future objectives, Ambassador Asmal detailed South Africa's aims for the 2025 summit, which include strengthening Africa's presence in global affairs, advancing the African Union's Agenda 2063, achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, reforming the international financial system, enhancing food security, promoting fair energy, boosting trade and investment, and supporting health and vaccine development initiatives.
He concluded by emphasizing South Africa's active role in the G20, aiming to foster a fairer global balance, protect the interests of developing countries, and present a leadership model rooted in solidarity and inclusivity, all while maintaining group cohesion and achieving shared priorities.