NEW YORK, September 17 (ANA) – President Jacob Zuma has arrived in New York in the United States to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations general assembly from September 19 to 25, the presidency said on Sunday.
This would be the first general debate for new UN Secretary General António Guterres, who started his term on January 1, the presidency said in a statement.
Guterres had identified his major priority as achieving sustainable peace and security through conflict prevention by establishing a “culture of prevention” in the UN, which South Africa fully supported.
Zuma would host an event on September 20 at the UN in honour of the centenary anniversary of former African National Congress president Oliver Reginald Tambo. He would also address the general assembly and sign the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons on September 20.
Signing the treaty reflected South Africa’s continued commitment towards achieving a world free from the threat posed by nuclear weapons and ensuring that nuclear energy was used for peaceful purposes only.
Zuma was accompanied by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; State Security Minister David Mahlobo; Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa; and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, the presidency said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
