This October 26, 2021, HE Ambassador Albert SHINGIRO, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation received in audience Mr. Jean-Pierre François Renaud Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Department for Peace Operations in the United Nations.
Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Burundi and the United Nations, especially with regard to Burundi’s participation in peacekeeping operations through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a mission for peacekeeping operated by the African Union in Somalia with the approval of the United Nations as well as the Mission of the United Nations for Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation informed the Vice-Secretary General for Peace Operations that he welcomes the current state of cooperation between Burundi and the United Nations. He added that Burundians are grateful for Burundi’s withdrawal from the United Nations Security Council’s agenda as it has improved the country’s image and encouraged foreign investors to come to Burundi.
The Government of Burundi and the Burundians also welcome Burundi’s participation in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and the Central African Republic. He said that Burundi is carrying out this work with pleasure and good heart, despite the sacrifices that must be made. He recalled that there was a time when Burundi was also assisted by United Nations peacekeeping operations, but today Burundi is helping others. This shows the evolution of the situation in Burundi. The Minister, H.E Ambassador Albert SHINGIRO reiterated the will of the Government of Burundi to work more in this context, for the stability of the region.
For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations greatly appreciated the warm welcome of the Burundians. He further stated that with regard to the withdrawal of Burundi from the Security Council agenda, the United Nations attaches a great importance to partnership.
Regarding Burundi’s readiness to always serve through peacekeeping operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix announced that the United Nations is open to evaluate the current peacekeeping situation, in order to work more. He said that the United Nations also intends to improve the technical service with regard to recruitment.
The Minister greatly appreciated this meeting and concluded with a summary relating to the strengthening of relations of friendship and cooperation between Burundi and the countries of the sub-region. Note that the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations will also be received by the highest Authorities of the country.
