/ 10 January 2007

Dlamini-Zuma encouraged by UN meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has expressed satisfaction with the meeting she had with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the Foreign Affairs Department said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the two met in New York on Tuesday for the first time since Ban became secretary general of the UN.

”We had a very good meeting,” said Dlamini-Zuma in a statement.

”The secretary general briefed us about his vision and priorities for the world body, including his expectations of responsibilities of member states.”

Dlamini-Zuma said the delegation was encouraged by Ban’s remarks that the consolidation of the African agenda remained one of his priorities in terms of security issues and developmental goals — including those needed to achieve the Millennium Developmental Goals.

She said the secretary general also briefed the delegation on his ”vision to breathe a new lease of life into the organisation while not seeking to bring about drastic changes in the world body”.

”South Africa committed itself to supporting the process and stands ready to contribute to the melting pot of ideas in this regard,” Dlamini-Zuma said. — Sapa