António Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal, is set to become the ninth UN secretary-general following a vote at the UN General Assembly yesterday.
Denmark is delighted that the former UN high commissioner for refugees will take over from Ban Ki-Moon as of 1 January 2017.
“On behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate António Guterres with his appointment,” said the foreign minister, Kristian Jensen.
“This is one of the most important positions in international co-operation, particularly now when the international community is facing huge and difficult challenges: the conflict in Syria, violent extremism, massive refugee and migration flows and the realisation of the new global goals.”
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Over the Moon
Jensen contended he had faith in Guterres’ ability to generate concrete results on behalf of the UN and said he was looking forward to co-operating with him in the coming years.
Guterres’ appointment will initially last for five years following the end of the tenure of Ban Ki-Moon, who has filled the position of UN secretary-general since 2007.
