In order to advance the agendas of Africa and the
Middle East, South Africa has engaged in deft and
carefully calibrated geo-strategic diplomacy both within
the continent and in the Middle East. It has developed
strategic partnerships in these regions and has built
support bases and alliances with key states in the Middle
East; North Africa; West Africa; East Africa and the
Horn; Central Africa; and Southern Africa.
South Africa is committed to an “African Agenda”
and a “South–South” agenda, in which the Middle East
features prominently. South African, African and Middle
Eastern politics are inextricably intertwined: you cannot
hope to have a peaceful Middle East without a peaceful
Africa, and vice versa. Therefore, the government has
keenly pursued a “quiet leadership” approach, toward the
broader continent of Africa, as well as the Middle East.
South Africa’s global status derives first and foremost
from its leadership role in Africa, but it has also invested
significant political capital in the issue of the Middle East,
and it is a stated policy that South Africa cannot simply
walk away from engaging the region. Therefore, South
Africa is bound to remain involved in Middle East issues.