International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is in New York ahead of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) elections for a non-permanent seat scheduled for tomorrow.
For the third time in a decade, South Africa is seeking to be elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the period 2019-2020.
If successful in the vote, which is by secret ballot, it will be Pretoria’s third term on the council. Pretoria previously served in the council mandated to maintain international peace and security in 2007-2008 and 2011-2012.
South Africa is the only African country standing, and it’s candidature to represent the east and southern African group was already endorsed by southern Africa last year and the African Union in January.
Dirco said South Africa’s term on the council will also coincide with aspirations of the African continent to silence the guns by 2020 � an objective and an ideal that South Africa would like to see achieved throughout the world.
During its tenure, South Africa will among other things, prioritize strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations specifically between the United Nations and African Union as well as conflict resolution and peacebuilding through inclusive dialogue.
South Africa has maintained that strong proponent of multilateralism through participation in the UN as the organisation is the embodiment of the international community’s will to attain and maintain international peace and security, to promote the economic and social well-being of all nations, and the advancement of all peoples.
Meanwhile, whilst in New York, Sisulu is expected to pay a courtesy call on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres and the President of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak.
She is also expected to have bilateral meetings with other countries seeking election, such as Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Maldives and the Dominican Republic to discuss cooperation in the Security Council should they be elected.
Source: South African Government News Agency