The Group of 77 and China welcomes the appointment by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of Dr Asha-Rose Mtengeti-Migiro to the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Dr Mtengeti-Migiro is currently Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

“The Group of 77 and China is pleased that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a person from a developing country for such an important position. Having served in various important capacities, Dr Mtengeti-Migiro will bring a wealth of managerial and practical experience accumulated from addressing issues of development, peace and security. The fact that Minister Mtengeti-Migiro is also a woman will contribute to the goal of improving gender balance in the Organisation, in particular at senior levels, as well as to ensure that staff reflects the international character of the Membership of the United Nations,” said Ambassador Dumisani S. Kumalo, Chairman of the Group of 77 and China.

The Group of 77 and China looks forward to working with Deputy Secretary-General Mtengeti- Migiro and wishes to assure her of our support throughout her term in office.

We also wish to pay tribute to the former Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Mark Malloch Brown, for his dedication to the Organisation and we wish him well in his future endeavours.