Press Statement of Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda on their joint participation in the UN Security Council as Non-permanent Members

New York – The Permanent Representative of Nigeria, H.E. Amb. U. Joy Ogwu, the Permanent Representative of South Africa, H.E. Amb. Baso Sangqu, H.E. Amb. Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet of Gabon, H. E. Amb. Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda as well as the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UN, H.E. Amb. Tete Antonio, met, today, Wednesday 10 November 2010 and took note of Africa’ s representation in the UN Security Council following the election of Uganda in October 2008, Nigeria and Gabon in October 2009 and that of South Africa in October 2010, as non-permanent members.

They reaffirmed the need to co-operate closely on the Security Council as well as share experiences and approaches on issues on the agenda of the UNSC.

As African Countries who form part of the Global South, Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda will, as the highest priority promote and champion the principles and objectives of the African Union Agenda on the UN Security Council; including striving to work to make the Security Council more transparent in its working methods.

The Permanent Representatives further reiterated the statement issued by the African Union during the 65th Session of the General Assembly in which the AU reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and to increase participation of developing countries in the decision making bodies of multilateral organizations and institutions.

Stressing the need for intensified collaboration, the Permanent Representatives underpinned the need for the Security Council to be more responsive and transparent in the execution of its mandate.

Agreement on the need to promote and enhance the UN Security Council co-operation with the AU Peace and Security Council was also identified as a priority.

The Permanent Representatives noted that the meeting convened by the Republic of Nigeria, proved an excellent conducive environment for all the Delegations to exchange views on issues of mutual concern pertaining to UN Security Council.

For more information, please contact: Nomfanelo Kota, Press Attaché, SA Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York, +1-646-575-7999.

Issued by: The Permanent Missions to the United Nations of the Republic of Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and the AU Permanent Observer Missions in New York.

10 November 2010