New York, 26 May 2023 (TDI): International representatives of Russia, China, and the US at the United Nations congratulated African countries on the occasion of Africa Day and highlighted the significance of Africa to the world.
The representatives also highlighted their contributions to the security and development of Africa and reiterated continued support for the continent in this regard.
Russia’s Permanent Representative at the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that Africa Day commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity and symbolizes the completion of the initial phase of Africa’s decolonization.
He thanked the African countries for devising a mechanism to respond to local crises thereby complementing UN efforts and starting regional integration in multiple areas for socio-economic development resulting in boosting the role of the continent on the international stage.
Nebenzia highlighted UN’s material and financial support for African peacekeeping missions and stressed the need for African solutions to African problems given that the Africans know more about the root causes of instability in Africa than others. He called for the improvement of predictability, reliability, and flexibility when assisting African states.
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The Chinese Ambassador to UN Zhang Jung congratulated African brothers and sisters on Africa Day. He reiterated that China would stand with Africa through thick and thin and that his country supports the revitalization of Africa through solidarity and cooperation.
He added that China firmly supports African Union in building its peacekeeping capacity-building and called for predictable, adequate, and sustainable financial support to African Union.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted four areas of cooperation to realize the shared goal of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa in line with the African Union’s agenda for 2063.
