The South African government on Friday congratulated António Guterres for his appointment as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Guterres, from Portugal, was appointed by the UN General Assembly as the organisation’s 9th Secretary-General and will serve a five-year term from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.
He served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
In a statement, South Africa hailed the appointment of “such an exceptional candidate” and said in his vision statement Guterres had highlighted a number of priority issues that were aligned with South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, including viewing security and development as a continuum not to be pursued separately, emphasising the importance of preventive diplomacy aimed at achieving political solutions based on inclusive engagement, and increased cooperation with regional organisations.
“The South African Government looks forward to establishing a close working relationship with Mr Guterres and wishes him well in shouldering the momentous responsibility that comes with leading the world’s foremost international organisation.”
South Africa also thanked outgoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “for his unselfish service to the organisation and its member states over the past decade”.
“Mr Ban leaves behind a legacy that includes the successful adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. These landmark agreements will steer the world’s development agenda for the next 15 years at least.
“Furthermore, Mr Ban’s legacy includes the mainstreaming of gender equality globally and also within the organisation with the establishment of UN Women, which is currently headed by South Africa’s former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.”
In congratulating Guterres upon his appointment, South African President Jacob Zuma said: “We are pleased that a friend of South Africa, and our Continent, has been appointed to such an important position. Mr Guterres brings with him a lifetime of service to humanity, and he can be assured of South Africa’s strong support for the work that lies ahead.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
