Okay, thank you, Chairperson. In spite of the fact that Africa is endowed with ample natural resources, the continent continues to rely on other developed states for economic support. Hence, we believe that it is the shared responsibility of Africans to ensure a shift in power relations in global governance and, most importantly, in economic relations. We are of the opinion that a change in the global economy can be altered by a change in existing trading paradigms by restructuring economies to support industrialisation and intra-African trade.
In this regard, we commend the leadership of our President, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, which he has demonstrated through his chairpersonship of the African Union Nepad Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, in terms of which he is championing the North-South Road and Rail Corridor project. Such a project will open up trade relations between African states.
This is an illustration of the commitment that Mr President made this year in the state of the nation address. He committed that South Africa will contribute to participating in the revitalisation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, with a specific focus on the implementation of its infrastructure programme.
As we celebrate Africa Day, we should strengthen our resolve to make the organisation of Africans, the African Union, stronger. The African Union is central to the realisation of the goals of the African Agenda. It is through its tools such as the African Peer Review Mechanism that the establishment of African solutions to African problems can be utilised. The African Peer Review Mechanism is a mutually agreed-to programme, voluntarily adopted by the member states of the African Union to promote and reinforce high standards of governance.
South Africa is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism. To further these ideals we have resolved to strategically position ourselves in the structures of the world in order to influence international policies through what we are best known for, and that is dialogue. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]