Live replay of the Formal sitting: Adress by Cyril RAMAPHOSA, President of South Africa during the plenary session in Strasbourg (12-15/11/2018)  The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - South Africa (T)

formal sitting

RAMAPHOSA, Cyril (ZA)

Formal sitting: Adress by Cyril RAMAPHOSA, President of South Africa (11:41 - 12:07)

SOUNDBITE (English), Cyril RAMAPHOSA, President of South Africa, President of the European Parliament, Mr. Antonio TAJANI. Honourable Members of the European Parliament distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen it is indeed a great honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to address this gathering.Particularly in the centenary year of the birth of Nelson Mandela. The founding father of. Our democratic nation revered statesman.

And a committed internationalist celebrate the centenary knowing well that Nelson Mandela does not belong to us as South Africans. Belongs to all of us and indeed to the world. He's one person who through his life. And deeds proved to all the people across the world. Championing human rights doing what is right in terms of.

Embracing universal values the right thing to do and that is precisely what he dedicated his life to he belongs not only to those who lived through the tumultuous events of the last century but also he belongs to the generations that are going to follow all of us we live in a world that Nelson Mandela and many other great leaders of his age made we are grateful to the European Union to the people well as leaders of Europe for their tributes they have paid in many different ways to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his birth. And for this we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We say thank you for honoring Nelson Mandela in the way that you have.

It is indeed a testament to the universal appeal of his vision he is as revered on this continent as he is across the African continent. We remember with the nations of the world the centenary of the armistice that marked the end of the First World War. We pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in that great human tragedy including the many South Africans of all races who also fought in that war and who perished on these foreign soil shows twenty six years ago.

 In the city of Maastricht leaders of Europe signed the historic treaty that would mark a new era in the continent's history now more than a quarter of a century later that affirmation of democracy liberty of respect for human rights. Of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law continues to endure. These timeless values are indeed beacons of hope. In our troubled times. Despite our greatest efforts the world today is blighted by conflict poverty and underdevelopment in a number of poor countries. There is still a lack of meaningful social progress.

Unrest and displacement spectre of the resurgence of racism and xenophobia cloaked in the mantle. Of nationalism is rising and is causing a great deal of concern in a number of places. Unilateralism is on the rise. And threatens in many ways to undermine our collective commitment democratic values and respect for human rights now more than ever. We turn to our great leaders.

For strength and inspiration as we seek to resolve the most pressing challenges of our times recall their words and their actions. As we reaffirm our commitment to democratic values in. Upholding the rights of every human being. It was the great statesman and friend of the anti-apartheid cause. All of Parliament. Prime Minister of Sweden who said for US democracy is a question of human dignity. This includes the political liberties the right to freely express our views the right to criticize. And to influence opinion it embraces the right to health work to education and Social Security.

ThiS View of democracy resonates with Nelson Mandela's vision of a global community of nations that affirms the centrality of human dignity and strives through all means available. To improve the human condition. Four months after his release from prison in 1990 Nelson Mandela paid his first visit to the European Parliament to receive the Sakharov Prize. For freedom of thought. Use this occasion to thank the leaders and the people of Europe for their contribution to the liberation of South Africa.

I also stand here like Nelson Mandela and thank the people of Europe for the contribution that they made to end apartheid. And we say thank you for all the support you gave us during the dark days of apartheid. Thank you very much. Nelson Mandela also used the opportunity he addressed this European Parliament call on the nations of Europe. Continue to stand by South Africa.

As we now sought to rebuild our country we are here today to confirm that indeed the nations of Europe. Answered the call that Nelson Mandela made with conviction and generosity we are here today following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela to say we would urge you we would call on you to continue supporting South Africa as it has embarked on a journey not only to reform itself. But to build a new South African nation from the ashes of apartheid. We thank you for continuing to support us. Ladies and gentlemen the European Union was born out of the need to end the historic divisions on the continent to create a firm base for the construction of a new Europe.

Rooted in solidarity and cooperation and to contribute to global peace security and development the countries of Africa have similarly embarked upon a new path of peace development and transformation. The African Union's agenda 2016 23 provides a program for integration and prosperity on a continent that has been raked by division exploitation and strife. Nelson Mandela was an ardent advocate for Pan African ism. We believe that the continent could only reach their full potential if her peoples were united in pursuing this goal.

There are many lessons we can draw from the European Union's path to integration through economic and political union and to achieving social progress South Africa notes the tireless work of the European Parliament to ensure that the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty on the eradication of poverty continue to underpin the EU's approach to external development cooperation. Since 2007. South Africa and the EU have enjoyed the mutual benefits of a strategic partnership that continues to play a meaningful role in our country's economic growth.

It covers over 20 sectoral policy dialogues on diverse issues from development cooperation science and technology health. Climate change trade education skills development to peace migration security and human rights as well an integral part of this partnership the Inter Parliamentary meetings between the South African Parliament and the European Parliament. These meetings have indeed played a crucial role in strengthening South Africa as well as European relations contributing to a strategic partnership. Partnership that is based on equality. Shared values and issues of mutual interest allow me to express our sincere appreciation for the contribution that the European Union.

And In this case the European Parliament have made not only to the development of South Africa but also towards the achievement of progress across the African continent. Nelson Mandela led South Africa in its peaceful transition to democracy. He had a bigger dream. Africa at peace with itself and the world in his lifetime he supported the African Union's effort towards conflict prevention and resolution peaceful building as well as post-conflict reconstruction. He would have joined us in applauding the EU support to the EU peace and security architecture and its steadfast support fo Efforts to silence The guns on the African continent for good.

He always argued that lasting peace and security the continent will not be possible without economic development opportunity without investment. Without thriving economies that enable us all to enjoy our place in the sun. We cannot hope to have political and social stability on the African continent. We therefore welcome the support of the European Union for Africa's development needs through initiatives such as. European external investment plan. The Economic Partnership Agreement and the new Africa European Alliance for sustainable investment and jobs. We should strive to ensure that these approaches are developed and implemented in line with agenda 2063 of the African Union.

We should seek to ensure that these developmental initiatives support the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area and Africa's overall. Industrialization infrastructure development. As well as economic transformation. We need to work together as the countries of Europe and Africa. To develop sustainable and humane responses to the challenge of irregular migration is a challenge that Europe has had to deal with. In recent years so too has South Africa and several African countries have had to deal with this challenge as well in a number of ways. We need to work together to address the root causes of irregular migration which include poverty. Inequality unemployment economic exclusion and competition for scarce resources. Should be informed by the principles of solidarity. Principles of compassion.

And by an unwavering commitment to the human rights of all the people of the world Africa is the cradle of humankind. It is rich in land and water abundant in minerals. And blessed with a young and vibrant population.

It is the next frontier of growth. Innovation and Social Progress realize this potential the people of Africa are in the process of uniting themselves. Africa will continue to strengthen bonds of partnership and friendship with the citizens of his sister continents. And in this case her sister continent Europe it is therefore a matter of great satisfaction and promise that our partnership with the European Union is as strong. At is as it has been enduring.

It is grounded in responsibility respect and mutual accountability nations of the EU are a source of investment trade skills and knowledge which has worked with us as South Africa in our quest. To grow our economy and improve the lives of our people. As we look to the future. We continue to count on the strength. Of this partnership between our countries and our Peoples.

As we advance forward to address the many challenges that our country faces challenges of unemployment poverty of inequality we rely on Europe to be our partner. Right now our country is in the process. Of transforming and reforming itself. We are seeking to create a South Africa that is conducive for investment flows. A few weeks ago we held an investment conference that attracted a number of. European based companies come to South Africa and we were particularly overjoyed when many of them declared.

That they will continue to invest in South Africa. And we were able at that conference to raise and another conference that followed 26 billion dollars that will flow into South Africa. And we are grateful for the support that we have enjoyed. Also from Europe for that vote of confidence in our economy.

Is this collaboration and partnership that we seek. A collaboration that has bound South Africa and the countries of Europe together. In a pact to never again return to the excesses and divisions of the past South Africa we are dealing with. A number of issues that have to deal with policies policies that will consolidate South Africa and make our country more stable.

We are in the process of dealing with the question of land reform. Land reform is one of those challenges that our country has had to face over hundreds of years. The indigenous people of South Africa. Were denied access to land. And have over the years. Been yearning to have access to land. We are now at a stage where. We are engaging in a dialogue. An overarching dialogue amongst the people of South Africa. Those who own land and those who don't own land to see how best to this important resource can be utilized to develop our country. And through this. The dialogue is leading us to a point where. We are seeking to find solutions that will be inclusive that will enable all South Africans.

As we continue to consolidate our nation to work together to resolve this problem. We have said very clearly that this problem of land will be resolved. Adherence to the rule of law adherence to our Constitution we will utilize the lessons that Nelson Mandela taught us. With regard to resolving problems. We will resolve this problem in an inclusive basis respecting each other's human rights respecting each other's hopes and aspirations and making sure. Like we did when we resolved the apartheid problem. That we resolve it with a view to build a nation from the ashes of apartheid.

 This we shall do because that is what Nelson Mandela taught us. I can assure you that we will resolve the land issue in line. With the values that are enshrined in our Constitution and when we do so. We will have an all inclusive solution that will make all the people of South Africa work together and move together into the promised future that we see ahead of us. Thank you. Unity and partnership. As well as solidarity are the principles. That have underpinned our cooperation across two vast and different continents of dark histories and into a promising new dawn.

Africa and the European Union are bound by shared values of democracy and respect for human rights. We share a commitment to the ideals of free and prosperous societies societies in which all persons live together in harmony. With equal opportunities. We owe it to our great forebears. Leaders of the calibre of Nelson Mandela. To focus on what unites us. Not that which divides us. Focus also on what benefits all of us. And not what. And riches and benefits. Just a few we owe it to the leaders who are our forebears to build a strategic partnership that endures that flourishes and that above all else. Advances the cause of humanity we thank you for your friendship thank you for your solidarity.

Thank you for your partnership. And we thank you all. For your support and for your continued help in everything that we are doing to rebuild a South African nation so that we too can enjoy the type of progress that you as Europeans have achieved. Thank you very much.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Thank you very much Mr. President. Message from the European Parliament.is very clear we want to strengthen the cooperation between the European Union and Africa. Between the European Union and the Republic of South Africa. Thank you very much for coming.