CAPE TOWN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will use its membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to advance the interests of Africa, particularly the priorities of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday.
He was speaking after the United Nations General Assembly elected South Africa to serve in the UNSC for the term 2019-2020 as a non-permanent member.
"We are humbled and honored by the confidence the international community has demonstrated in our capability to contribute to the resolution of global challenges," Ramaphosa said.
This will be the third time for South Africa to serve in the UNSC since the end of apartheid in 1994.
"We express our unreserved gratitude and appreciation to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that nominated us and our continental body, the African Union that endorsed our candidature," said Ramaphosa.
South Africa's tenure will be guided by its commitment to resolve regional, global and international conflicts and promote inclusive growth as part of the effort to ensure a better Africa in a better world, Ramaphosa said.
"We are committed to addressing the root causes of conflict, including inequality and underdevelopment, and promoting inclusive political dialogue," said Ramaphosa.
South Africa, he said, remains deeply concerned about the emergence of unilateralism and its attendant threat to the international rules-based system.
"South Africa reaffirms the centrality of the United Nations Charter and the primacy of the United Nations Security Council on issues of international peace and security," he said.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country's commitment to enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security.
This will include the strengthening of effective partnerships between the UNSC and the AU Peace and Security Council, he said.
"We reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes and the advancement of inclusive development in accordance with the United Nations Charter and International Law," Ramaphosa added.
