Six days after it travelled to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) for the annual meeting with members of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the Security Council held a meeting on close cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations in the areas of conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. "Strategic partnership and regular exchanges between the UN and the AU are necessary and essential for efficient and effective multilateralism", said Adrian Hauri in New York on behalf of Switzerland.
The United Nations and regional organisations such as the AU bring different strengths and perspectives, as well as unique approaches to issues of common concern. At their annual meeting, members of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council expressed concern about the evolving security situation on the African continent, and the myriad threats to peace, security and stability. In Addis Ababa, Switzerland joined other countries in expressing its views on the current situation in the Sahel region.
In New York, Switzerland gave assurances that it would continue its long-standing support for the African peace and security architecture. "It is our intention to further promote exchanges and mutual understanding between the UN and the AU", said Adrian Hauri.
The African Union Peace and Security Council will travel to New York in October 2024. This meeting will therefore take place under the forthcoming Swiss Presidency of the Security Council.