South African Government welcomes UN Security Council Resolution 2033

Pretoria, 13 January 2012

The South African Government has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC’s) unanimous adoption on 12 January 2012 of Resolution 2033, which urges for enhanced cooperation between the UNSC and sub-regional organisations, particularly the African Union (AU), in peace and security matters.

The adoption of the resolution followed an initiative by His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, during his latest visit to New York to participate in the activities of the UNSC as South Africa holds the Presidency of the Council for the month of January 2012.  

Whilst at the UN in New York, President Zuma chaired the UNSC high-level debate on “Strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security."

Resolution 2033 initiated by South Africa stresses the importance of establishing a more effective relationship between the UNSC and regional bodies in particualr the AU Peace and Security Council, especially in the area of conflict prevention, resolution and management, electoral assistance and regional conflict prevention.  

The Resolution also encourages the improvement of regular interaction, consultation and coordination between the two bodies on matters of mutual interest.

President Zuma expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the high-level debate, which saw Member States of the UNSC unanimously supporting calls to strengthen the relations between the UN and regional bodies.

President Zuma said: "While we are pleased with the current relations between the two bodies, we also feel that we can deepen them further for better co-ordination when it comes to dealing with issues affecting our Continent. We want the views of the AU to be respected by the UN."

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

(This document is available in English only)

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