Hon Speaker, South Africa has consistently rejected calls for outside intervention aimed at regime change in Syria and has argued for an all-inclusive dialogue to reach a comprehensive political solution. In this context, South Africa has contributed tremendously to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria.
During its tenure, South Africa played an active role in the UN Security Council. President Zuma's intervention at the G20 proved crucial in preventing a consensus among the G20 leaders for military strikes against the country, paving the way for the accession of Syria to the Chemical Weapons Convention and agreeing to a process of removal and destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile.
Furthermore, relying on President Zuma's leadership, South Africa, working closely with Russia, the USA and African member countries of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, has successfully facilitated negotiations on a resolution leading to the remarkable achievement of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2118. Thank you.