Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Ministers, to begin with, Cope supports the Budget Vote. [Applause.] We believe that a commonality of purpose should inform our approach to international relations. After all, the national interest overrides other considerations and it is important for all of us to see South Africa as an important role- player in international politics. It is common cause that we should seriously project "brand South Africa" much more seriously.
I will now briefly touch on a few issues of great importance to us. The first one is political and economic integration in the Southern African Development Community, SADC. It is very important for Cope that we continually analyse the nature and extent of integration of the 15 member states that comprise the SADC. The combined population of SADC countries is 257,7 million and the combined gross domestic product is nearly R4 trillion. The SADC has the potential to become a very powerful economic hub. After 1994, there was a great deal of forward movement regarding economic integration, and the development of the SADC was high on the agenda. Our observation is that somehow this priority is slipping down at the very moment when it should be held up in the agenda.
Cope believes that integration should proceed on the basis of major joint operations. In our view, the Airbus model should be adopted. Airbus has 16 different sites spread over France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. The Joule, an electric car developed by South African engineers, is being shelved after R300 million of the taxpayers' money has been injected into it. To commercialise this venture, R9 billion is required. Surely this is the kind of project that could be handled jointly in SADC, as the time for electric cars, trucks and buses has arrived.
We believe it would go a long way towards achieving the goals of integrating the region if the process was project driven to a large extent. Where economic interests of mutual benefit arise, SADC members will naturally elevate their level of co-operation and this will benefit economic integration in the region. Many citizens of the SADC are already interacting on a one-to-one basis but they are doing so without any multilateral structure to properly accommodate them. It's a problem that must be addressed.
I now wish to turn my attention to a very serious problem regarding the two Sudans, which you have already spoken about. Cope sincerely hopes that the panel lead by former President Thabo Mbeki will end its mission by bringing the parties together to sign and implement an agreement that will be backed by the international community. The suggestion from some groups in the conflict that the Mbeki panel has too little authority to force the warring parties to settle must be speedily addressed by canvassing wider international support while there is still a window of opportunity in order to avoid another two failed states in Africa. Time is of the essence.
On the New Partnership for Africa's Development, Nepad, and the African Renaissance, Cope noted with interest that a conference with the theme "Young People, Farming and Food: The Future of the Agrifood Sector in Africa" was held in Ghana from 19 to 21 March 2012. This is a crucial debate, one that has a bearing on our country, and we need to pursue its outcomes to involve our own youth.
On South-South relations, Cope is fully supportive of the initiatives of the department with countries of the South to create a convergence of political, economic and social paths. We believe that this task must be pursued with great vigour. While our relations with Brazil have been strengthened, what is the situation with the other South American countries?
In respect of education, members of this House will be interested to know that high school learners in Uruguay are provided with laptop computers. This is a very progressive move in bridging the kind of digital divide that exists in our country. We also note that Paraguay is registering considerable economic growth. What are our relations with these and other South American countries?
On the issue of the Middle East, Mr Annan's six-point peace plan on Syria must have optimal support so that a peaceful political resolution can be found. South Africa, as a trusted nation, should seek to play a meaningful role in this regard. The withdrawal of heavy weapons from urban centres is something we should work towards achieving very urgently. The question of Palestine and Israel must also receive sustained attention. However, it must be done in a nonpartisan manner and with integrity.
With regard to the global system of governance, this will be the last year of South Africa occupying a nonpermanent seat in the UN Security Council, giving us a singular opportunity to make it count.
Another issue that government should emphasise is human trafficking, as this is becoming an area of great concern in South Africa and on the continent.
On sustainable economic development, an international environment conducive to sustainable growth and development, after the economic fallout of 2009, is very important. South Africa should be a major champion in this regard.
What progress has the South African Council on International Relations, which was approved by government in 2011, made in engaging nonstate role- players in the development of international relations and in helping government to be alive to changing developments and intricacies? This is a very important agency and forum, which must be explored by all South Africans.
In conclusion, the standing of our diplomats needs continuous monitoring. Personal misdemeanours have international consequences and therefore we must do everything to ensure that the diplomats serving us are men and women of the highest calibre. Cope supports the Vote and congratulates the Minister and the Department of International Relations and Co-operation on their achievements. [Applause.]