Visit of UN Secretary-General Guterres to Bonn and Munich: "Numerous conflicts around the globe require strong multilateralism"

On his second day in Germany, UN Secretary-General António Guterres continued to participate in the meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in Bonn. The Group of 20 major developed and emerging economies affirmed on Friday cooperation in advancing global issues such as development, peace building and cooperation with Africa.

Wrapping up the two-day meeting, the ministers agreed to step up efforts to prevent armed conflicts, a source of humanitarian crises and increased refugees, according to delegates.

The ministers also exchanged views on how the G-20 can better assist the development of Africa and eradicate poverty on the continent, they said.

In his statement during the conference, UN Secretary-General Guterres underlined that the current political climate and numerous conflicts around the globe would “require strong multilateralism”.

Germany, host of the gathering, had expressed eagerness to advance the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the international community aims for by 2030.

On Friday afternoon, the Secretary-General flew to Munich to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC). In the evening, the Secretary-General had a meeting with German Chancellor Merkel. Both of them underlined the importance of the United Nations during times of mounting insecurity. “Global problems require global solutions”, the Secretary-Generals pointed out. The German Chancellor added that “we do believe in a strong UN, advancing the multilateral efforts during numerous global conflicts”.

The conference agenda focuses on the future of transatlantic relations and NATO after the election of Donald Trump, the state of European Union cooperation in security and defense matters, the Ukraine crisis and relations with Russia, and the war in Syria.

The 500 participants will also discuss terrorism, information warfare, as well as major threats to global health and climate security.

European Council President Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and US Vice President Mike Pence are among the group of more than 30 heads of state and government, 80 foreign and defence ministers and other officials expected to attend.

On Saturday, the Secretary-General will address the MSC before concluding his 3-day visit to Germany.