In a text following his participation at the African Union session on 30 and 21 January, Guterres said "the first great mission as secretary general", was "commitment to building on these strengths and establishing a platform of cooperation between the UN, the leaders and the African people" and that this is "essential to promote inclusive, sustainable development to deepen the cooperation for peace and security".

The former Portuguese prime minister said he had come away from Addis Ababa with a “spirit of profound solidarity and respect", but also "a profound sense of gratitude" for the African contribution towards the UN peace forces.

"Africa supplies most of the UN peace-keeping forces in the world; The African nations are among the greatest and most generous hosts for refugees in the world; Africa has some of the world’s fastest growing economies” he added.