Statement by Hon Murray McCully to the African Union Executive Council

Warmest greetings from New Zealand to Ministers and Member States of the African Union Executive Council as you meet to discuss the vital issues affecting the countries of Africa and their relations with the wider international community.

New Zealand followed with great interest the open debate in the UN Security Council this month under the presidency of South Africa on peace and security in Africa and the development of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. That the Council has devoted nearly half its meetings over the past 21 years to Africa, and mandated 25 operations, underscores the importance for the entire international community in addressing security issues and conflict prevention on the continent. New Zealand has participated in a number of these as well as addressing a number of the conflicts when it last served on the Council, in 1993-1994.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully is visiting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this week to attend the 20th Session of the African Union Executive Council on 25-26 January. 

Mr McCully said his attendance at the summit provides New Zealand with an opportunity to engage with ministers from nearly all of the 54 African Union states and to convey New Zealand's excellent credentials for United Nations Security Council membership in 2015-16.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, announced the incoming National Party-led Government’s new Ministry on 12 December 2011.   Full details of the Ministerial appointments are available at:  www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-national-led-administration-announced

The Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed a seminar hosted by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs on "The Major Economic and Foreign Policy Issues Facing New Zealand 2012-17".  Read the Minister's assessment at: www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/major-economic-and-foreign-policy-issues-facing-new-zealand-2012-17