Jean Ping was presiding a meeting with members of the United Nations Security Council, at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The delegation of the UN Peace and Security Council, were on a two-day mission to Addis Ababa.

The meeting was held prior to the joint consultation meeting between the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU/PSC) and the United Nations Peace and Security Council (UN/PSC), the Ambassadors John Sawers and Ruhakana Rugunda, the Heads of delegations of the PSCs, Hailé Menkerios, the UN Under Secretary General of Political Affairs, members of AUC PSC as well as the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the AU, Ramtane Lamamra.

According to Ping, the consultation meeting between the PSC/AU and the PSC/UN is aimed at reinforcing the working relationship between the African Union and the United Nations in general and to consolidate the cooperation ties between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council in particular.

This, he said, is a clear indication of the political will of the UN Security Council, which will enable a better understanding of the problems faced by Africa so as to find appropriate solutions to help face the different conflicts in the continent.

The Chairperson of the Commission further expressed satisfaction towards the efforts undertaken so far by both parties in a bid to resolving peace and security issues in Africa. He said the visit of the UNPSC delegation to the field gives them the opportunity to touch and feel the reality on the ground so as to enable them understand the real problems the population living in conflict areas are facing on a daily basis.

With regard to Africa, Chairperson Ping stressed that, the adoption of some of the most pertinent presidential Declaration and Resolutions such as the 1631 (2005) and the 1809(2008) on peace and security in Africa as well as regular consultations between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations are indications that things are moving towards the right direction.

In this vein, he reiterated his appreciation of the interest expressed by the UN Security Council, to support the African Union in its efforts in resolving conflicts in the continent.

“The African Union has made of the pillar on “Peace and Security”, one of its priorities and is committed to work closely with its partners such as the United Nations Security Council, in finding a durable solution to the problems of peace and security in Africa.”