Luanda: The next meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), scheduled for April 16 in New York, United States of America, was the central topic of the meeting between the Angolan Foreign Minister, T©te Ant³nio, and the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, held Monday in Luanda.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Huang Xia, speaking to the press after the meeting, stated that the encounter was part of his preparation for the upcoming SC meeting. He remarked on the rapidly progressing political and diplomatic situation in the Great Lakes Region. Xia emphasized Angola’s significant role in regional peace and security, both historically and in addressing current objectives.
On behalf of the United Nations, Huang Xia commended Angola, especially President Joo Louren§o, for their efforts in seeking immediate, comprehensive solutions to the crisis in the region, as well as pursuing long-term peace and stability goals. He stressed the need to value and recognize these efforts, aligning with the substantial results achieved.
Huang Xia also noted the importance of preserving the positive outcomes of initiatives led by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Luanda process.
Minister T©te Ant³nio highlighted that the UN official’s visit aligns with the upcoming SC meeting, which will primarily focus on the Great Lakes Region, with Angola invited to participate. He noted that Huang Xia’s visits to Angola before such meetings are customary due to Angola’s active role in resolving regional conflicts, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and implementing Chapter Eight of the United Nations Charter regarding regional economic communities’ collaboration.
T©te Ant³nio further explained Angola’s dual capacity as leader of the ICGLR and, since February 2025, the African Union (AU), underscoring its responsibility in managing peace and security issues handled by the UN Security Council. He highlighted Africa’s integral role in the global organization and the expectation for the continent’s representative to contribute during discussions on African matters.
The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region is tasked with promoting peace, security, and cooperation among Central African countries, including Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The diplomat’s responsibilities encompass mediation, diplomacy, and facilitating dialogue between governments, rebel groups, and other parties to resolve conflicts.