By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola undertook a successful working visit to Los Angeles, California. The visit was due to South Africa’s intention of rectifying economic diplomacy with the United States and building strategic partnerships. 

The visit shed light on South Africa’s artistic diversity in regards to film, music and visual art, and intended to leverage the leadership of Los Angeles’s artistic prowess and put South Africa in the forefront of collaborating with them and engaging in cultural exchange. 

Minister Lamola met with various South African artists who reside in Los Angeles. He met with various executives, creatives, entrepreneurs as well as academics who represent the South African diaspora which amplifies South Africa’s presence as well as strengthening the global brand of the country. 

Minister Lamola also held meetings with the Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass as well as the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) who serve as key players in South Africa’s aim to solidify private partnerships in key sectors that have a shared interest between both parties.

 At the heart of the Minister’s working visit was to promote South Africa as a solid investment destination. Minister Lamola expressed the amount of potential when it comes to investment opportunities within renewable energy, technology and tourism sectors.

 These specific key areas align with California’s sustainability agenda. Minister Lamola then engaged with Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall, which Lamola took the opportunity to emphasise South Africa’s foreign policy is guided by the national interest of the country, which aims to tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality, key factors that are at the top of South Africa’s priority list. 

There is also a need to advance global democracy and emphasise the rule of international law and further multilateralism as well as the insatiable need to advance and attain international peace.

 Minister Lamola will conclude his visit to the United States in the city of New York where he will receive the opportunity to meet with nations that share the same goals as South Africa and advance the pressing issues that face the globe today.