Tofig Musayev: Azerbaijan continues to strengthen partnerships with African countries

Azerbaijan believes that, despite existing differences, further progress in the negotiations is achievable by building on areas of convergence, Tofig Musayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, said in a statement, Report informs.

He made the statement at the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and an increase in the membership of the Security Council and other related matters to the Security Council (IGN), while considering the African Model on United Nations Security Council reform.

“Distinguished Co-Chairs,

We thank you for convening this meeting on the structured dialogue on models of Security Council reform and for your able leadership.

We also express our appreciation to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone for presenting the African Model and for reaffirming Africa’s strong commitment to meaningful and comprehensive reform.

Azerbaijan believes that, despite existing differences, further progress in the negotiations is achievable by building on areas of convergence. These include, in particular, the legitimate aspirations of African countries to play their rightful role on the global stage; the need to rectify the historical imbalance in composition from the Global South and to enhance the representation of developing countries, small States, cross-regional groups, and other underrepresented groups; strengthening the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly; and improving the working methods of the Council.

In the Pact for the Future, the Heads of State and Government committed to reforming the Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable, while recognizing the need to redress the historical injustice against Africa as a priority and a special case.

As noted in the revised Co-Chairs’ Elements Paper, there is broad support among Member States for increased representation of African countries in the Security Council. Azerbaijan has consistently upheld this position and has further strengthened and deepened its dialogue and partnership with African countries across a wide range of areas, including peace and security, sustainable development, and humanitarian cooperation,” reads the statement.