After having received briefings from the Department, the Committee came to the following conclusions: . The South African public should be made aware of important issues and decisions taken by South Africa and that briefings to the Committee should be more frequent. . The Policy Research and Analysis Unit was vitally important. . South Africa's contribution to various organisations and on certain key issues would be crucial in changing the profile of the country in the African continent. . The Foreign Service Bill would improve coordination between the Department, NIA and Defence. . A joint meeting with the Committee and the Portfolio Committee on Finance may be necessary to discuss contentious issues being raised with Treasury. . South Africa should assess country's interests before ratifying treaties. . Parliament should consider a Parliamentary dimension to ECOSOC like there the one with the WTO and other forums. . The Committee should pursue the notion of a parliamentary forum on oversight with BRICS partners.