Guterres: Outrageous that Africa Has No Permanent Seat at UN

UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke to African leaders in Beijing at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Guterres drew applause from the audience, explaining that “it is an outrage that Africa does not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” adding that it was time to correct the “historical injustice.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping and António Guterres himself met on this occasion. Xi Jinping expressed his appreciation that the United Nations has always attached great importance to Africa and is willing to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations to help Africa achieve peace, stability, and development.

The Chinese president, as reported by China Radio International, “emphasized that practicing genuine multilateralism and supporting the United Nations in playing its central role in international affairs have always been the principles China adheres to in its diplomacy, and this has never changed.” At present, the international situation is very complicated, full of change and chaos. The already important role of the UN has become even more important, and it needs to be more proactive.”

Guterres, according to Chinese media reports, expressed gratitude to China for inviting him to attend the summit and explained how cooperation between China and Africa can help reduce the historical injustices that Africa suffers and help it achieve peace and development. He also explained that the United Nations is ready to strengthen cooperation with China to promote multilateralism and build a human community with a shared future.