The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, on the margins of the 20th Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

The Secretary-General congratulated the Prime Minister on his election as new Chairperson of the African Union, stressing the UN’s readiness to work closely with the AU under his leadership. During the meeting, they discussed issues of regional importance on the continent, including the situation in Somalia, between Sudan and South Sudan, in Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With regard to Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s continuous contributions to peace and security.