Zuma arrives for UN session

President Jacob Zuma, pictured, has arrived in New York in the US to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations general assembly, starting tomorrow, the Presidency said yesterday .

This would be the first general debate for new UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, who started his term on January 1, the Presidency said in a statement issued yesterday.

Guterres has identified his major priority as achieving sustainable peace and security through conflict prevention by establishing a “culture of prevention” in the UN, which South Africa fully supports.

Zuma will host an event on Wednesday at the UN in honour of the centenary anniversary of former ANC president Oliver Tambo.

He will also address the general assembly and sign the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons on Wednesday.

Signing the treaty reflects South Africa’s continued commitment towards achieving a world free from the threat posed by nuclear weapons and ensuring that nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes only.

Zuma is accompanied by several MPs, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; State Security Minister David Mahlobo; Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa; and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, the Presidency said. – ANA