Pretoria - South Africa has used its involvement in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to lobby support for its non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC).
International Relations Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who represented the country in the assembly, held several bilateral meetings with countries, seeking their firm commitment to support South Africa's candidature during the elections in October.
Nkoana-Mashabane has held meetings with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, and Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amando.
Spokesperson Saul Molobi said the minister told the countries that South Africa is the best candidate for the seat, as it always prioritised peace and security, domestically and internationally.
"South Africa remains committed to the consolidation of the African agenda and supports multilateral and bilateral co-operation, with a view to ensuring a better Africa and a better world for all," said Molobi.
South Africa has been canvassing for votes for the UNSC seat -- with the countries in the African Union and India and Serbia, among others -- supporting it.
Since 1994, the country had contributed to the maintenance of international peace and security through active participation in UN and regional peacekeeping missions and mediation efforts.
South Africa previously served on the UNSC from 2007 to 2008 when it built itself a strong reputation and track-record as an "agent of change".
The country was a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.
