UN-AU cooperation more important than ever: Chinese envoy

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Thursday that cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) is more important than ever against the backdrop of dramatic changes in the political, economic and social landscape in the world and in Africa, and the new challenges.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, called for UN-AU cooperation in four aspects: help Africa tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, assist Africa in solving outstanding peace and security problems, help Africa address the root causes of conflict, and support Africa's strength in unity.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 6 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally, of which Africa accounts only for 2 percent. Developed countries should stop overstocking vaccines, increase aid to Africa, and achieve universal access to safe and affordable vaccines in the continent at an early date, he told a Security Council high-level debate on UN-AU cooperation.

Zhang called for intellectual property rights exemptions for developing countries, including Africa, to localize the production of vaccines. "This is the key to helping Africa overcome COVID-19 and respond to any new pandemics in the future," he said.

The AU and sub-regional organizations, with geographical, historical and cultural advantages, can play a unique role in addressing hot-spot issues in Africa. The United Nations needs to encourage its international partners to increase their support to secure predictable and sustainable sources of funding for Africa's independent peace operations, said Zhang.

Terrorist forces such as the Islamic State show a tendency to spread in Africa. The United Nations should increase support for African countries in improving their independent counter-terrorism capabilities, he added.

The pandemic has brought special challenges to Africa's economic recovery. Post-pandemic reconstruction is an opportunity to promote inclusive development and address the root causes of conflict. Emphasis should be placed on helping Africa, particularly post-conflict countries, to strengthen capacity building, improve governance, promote sustainable development, and foster social inclusion and cohesion. The UN development agencies have to strongly support Africa in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and do more in areas such as poverty eradication, food security, infrastructure, connectivity, education and employment, he said.

Africa has a tradition of independence and the AU is the banner of Africa's unity and self-reliance, he said. "We need to respect the sovereignty and leadership of African countries and support African countries in exploring and following development paths well suited to their national conditions."

China stands opposed to interference in internal affairs, the imposition of governance models, the incitement of contradictions or divisions among African countries, the practice of tying aid to political preconditions, and the attempt to use Africa to seek political self-interest. China calls on the countries concerned to lift unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe and Sudan, he said.

China and Africa have always been good friends, brothers and partners. China has always maintained that the United Nations and the Security Council should strengthen dialogue and coordination with the AU, prioritize support for the AU and African countries, and incorporate cooperation with the AU into their daily work, he said.

The China-UN Peace and Development Fund has been actively supporting Africa in implementing projects in areas such as peacekeeping capacity-building, fight against terrorism and violent extremism, and conflict prevention, and achieved positive results. In November, the eighth session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in Senegal. China will take this opportunity to play a greater role in helping Africa achieve peace and stability and post-COVID recovery, and in promoting greater support from the international community to Africa, he said.