Representatives of the UNSC member states at the teleconference on December 9 (Photo: VNA)

Highlighting certain notable achievements of Central Africa, François Louncény Fall, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Africa and head of the UNOCA, said countries in this region have obtained important strides in the institutional reform of the Economic Community of Central African States. They have also continually fostered cooperation and diplomatic relations to jointly deal with cross-border security challenges and boost socio-economic development, including the certain success in curbing the COVID-19 outbreak.

These will be crucial prerequisites as many countries in the region are preparing for elections and reforming their state machinery, according to him.

However, Fall noted the worrying security situation in Central Africa, pointing out terrorist attacks and acts of armed groups, especially in the regions of Lake Chad and the Gulf of Guinea. Particularly, activities of Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group, are seriously threatening security in some regional countries like Cameroon and Chad, negatively impacting local civilians.

He appealed for stronger coordination to seek solutions for regional peace and security, emphasising the supporting role the UN and international partners.

On behalf of Vietnam and Indonesia – two ASEAN member states in the UNSC, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN, welcomed efforts by countries in Central Africa in cooperation promotion and institutional reforms.

He affirmed the commitment of Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as other ASEAN countries, to maintain peace and security in Central Africa, including sending more than 1,600 personnel to UN peacekeeping missions in this region.

This was the 13th and also the last time in 2020 Vietnam and Indonesia had a joint speech on issues discussed at the UNSC. The joint activity, initiated by Vietnam as ASEAN Chair this year, reflects the bloc’s solidarity at the council. Indonesia’s membership in the UNSC will expire when this year ends./.VNA