Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi meets former Senegalese President Macky Sall over UN Secretary-General position

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, earlier in the week, received in audience, the Candidate for the Next United Nations Secretary-General and former Senegalese President, Macky Sall.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, disclosed this on its website.

The meeting which took place in Beijing, China, was attended by former President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

During the visit, Sall said that under the current circumstances, the status and role of the United Nations have become all the more prominent.

He also said it was important to respect the leading role of member states, advance the United Nations reform in a gradual and pragmatic manner, uphold the principles of fairness, justice, consensus, inclusiveness and openness, adhere to the spirit of the United Nations Charter, including non-interference in internal affairs, safeguard the authority and efficiency of the Security Council, and focus on the international development agenda.

“Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has increasingly become a force for global stability and plays a pivotal role in international affairs,” Sall said.

The former Senegalese President further said he firmly adhered to the one-China principle, highly appreciates China’s longstanding commitment to advancing multilateralism and supporting the central role of the United Nations, and actively supports the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.

“He expressed readiness to work with China and the international community to strengthen UN solidarity, deepen South-South cooperation, and jointly promote world peace, development and prosperity,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry disclosed.

In his remarks, Wang said that Sall’s decision to run for the Secretary-General election reflected his firm belief in multilateralism and the United Nations and, more importantly, his commitment to safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and Africa.

“Defending, reinvigorating and strengthening the United Nations is the shared aspiration of all member states. China will continue to unite more countries, build stronger synergy, and help the UN better adapt to the needs of the times, so as to achieve sustained development and growth amid transformations,” Wang said.

Wang also pointed out that the international community widely expected the United Nations to rise to challenges and play an active and responsible role in promoting peace and development for humanity.

“The next Secretary-General should actively respond to the calls of all member states, follow the development needs of the UN, give due regard to the legitimate aspirations of the Global South, and be committed to upholding the UN Charter, demonstrating outstanding competence, fairness and integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“China’s development represents the growth of factors for world peace, the strengthening of forces for stability, and the amplification of the voice of justice. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China highly values its cooperation with African countries at the UN. China will play a responsible and constructive role in the election process of the next Secretary-General, support the UN in reinvigorating its authority and vitality, and help it better play its central and leading role in international affairs,” Wang also said.