Africa: Ban Ki-Moon, Obama Congratulate Dlamini Zuma
By Abiodun Oluwarotimi
United Nations Secretary-General, 
Mr. Ban Ki-moon welcomes the election of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa as Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and congratulates her on being the first African woman chosen to lead the regional body, his spokesperson said.
“The Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with Dr. Zuma on peace and security issues, as well as on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and promoting sustainable development in Africa,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson added in a statement made available to UN Correspondents on Tuesday.
Ms. Zuma, who is South Africa’s home affairs minister, defeated the incumbent, Jean Ping of Gabon, in the vote that took place yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the summit of the 54-member African Union (AU).
The Secretary-General also expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ping for his stewardship of the AU Commission over the past four years, the spokesperson noted, and assured Dr. Zuma of the full support of the UN system.
“The United Nations will continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Africa Union to consolidate peace, security and development in Africa in the years ahead,” the spokesperson said.
Also, the United States President, Mr. Barrack Obama, has joined well-wishers worldwide in congratulating South African Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on her election as African Union Chairperson.
In a statement made available to journalists in Washington DC, the US government wished Dlamini Zuma success in her new role and said it looked forward to working closely with her and maintaining a productive relationship with the AU.
The United States also thanked the former Chairman, Jean Ping, for his contributions to the African Union and wished him success in his future endeavors.– Leadership
Posted by admin
on Jul 18 2012. Filed under African News.
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