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AU welcomes appointment of new UN chief

Xinhua, October 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, has welcomed the appointment of Antonio Guterres, as the incoming United Nations (UN) Secretary-General.

Dlamini-Zuma has called and congratulated Antonio Guterres, and expressed Africa's readiness to work with him to overcome continental and global challenges of peace, security and development, according to an AU statement on Tuesday.

The AU Commission Chairperson has warmly welcomed the appointment, recognizing the extensive experience of Guterres and his friendship from the time when he was the Prime Minister of Portugal, said the statement.

She has also appreciated his partnership with the African Union (AU) during his tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

The AU has worked with Guterres while he served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, to address issues of displaced people in Africa by developing a plan of action and adopting a landmark convention for the protection of internally displaced people across Africa in 2009, as well as pushing for the right of nationality across the African continent in 2015, noted the statement.

As Guterres begins his term on 1 January 2017, the AU Commission wishes him continued success and looks forward to maintaining a close working relationship with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, said the statement.

The AUC Chairperson, once again, has expressed her gratitude to the outgoing UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, for his outstanding leadership during his term of office.

The outgoing Secretary-General has made remarkable strides in ensuring a responsible and accountable UN, demonstrating a strong leadership towards the implementation of Africa Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Endit