Speaking after bilateral talks in Pretoria, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described SA as a key partner on the continent and praised its commitment to the rules-based international order.

“Poland sees SA as an anchor of stability in Africa and therefore, as the place to establish business with all of Africa. We hear about the efforts of the Government of National Unity to rejuvenate the economy, which is why I had no difficulty bringing a delegation of Polish business to explore the possibilities. Investments need to go both ways, and we also need to improve people-to-people contacts.”

Sikorski says migration can benefit countries, but only if it is properly managed.

He says governments have a responsibility to maintain, secure and regulate borders.

“Migration can be a good thing, but it has to be controlled. Otherwise, you have political consequences that are actually dangerous for democracy. So, it’s a complex issue. I feel personally that it’s a legitimate issue for non-racist, sensible debate about desirable forms of migration, how to make people into loyal and productive residents and citizens. But ultimately, countries and groups of countries have the right to control their borders.”

–SABC–