By V.Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia has given positive consideration to Kenya’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-22 term, says Kenya’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Francis Ndegwa Muhoro.
Muhoro said Malaysia and the East African country enjoys friendly and cordial relations dating back to the pre-independence times, and “given this great relationship, Kenya strongly believes that Malaysia’s vote is guaranteed.”
“Kenya was endorsed as the only African Union (AU) candidate for the non-permanent seat at the UNSC in August 2019.
“Malaysia has also indicated that it cannot go against the decision of the regional body (African Union),” he told Bernama when asked to comment on the progress of Kenya’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC.
Elections for five non-permanent members of the UNSC will be held this Wednesday (June 17).
Kenya has based its bid on a 10-point agenda to campaign for the UNSC seat which comprises building bridges, peacekeeping and support operations, regional peace and security, countering terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, women, peace and security, youth empowerment, humanitarian action, justice, human rights and democracy, and environment and climate change agenda.
The African country has previously served as a member of the council in 1973-74 and 1997-98, and its return would maintain a record of serving in 24-year intervals.
The envoy stressed that Kenya has not started lobbying for the seat but has been campaigning vigorously since August last year after the AU endorsement.
“In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, we have held several call discussion sessions and virtual meetings and reached out to all the UN member states.
“We are optimistic that our candidature will carry the day on June 17,” he said.
He said Kenya received tremendous support from both Asia Pacific countries and African countries for its candidature besides being supported by more than 150 UN member states.
Asked on the important reforms or agenda that Kenya wishes to put forward at UNSC, he said Kenya will bring on board consensus-building capabilities, more so within the context of unprecedented challenges occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic and other existential threats.
“Second, the council will benefit from Kenya’s objectivity and trustworthiness which is necessary, particularly in helping countries in conflict to arrive at a common understanding of various issues.
“Thirdly, Kenya’s consistency will bring in an element of certainty, particularly on any Kenya-led agenda. These three qualities are crucial for building peace and security in our world,” he said.
Besides that, the envoy said the 10-point Agenda that Kenya promises to champion in the Security Council is largely premised on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The process leading to the adoption of the SDG’s was multilateral diplomacy at its best, demonstrated by building of bridges between diametrically opposing opinions resulting in some of the most profound commitments ever by member states in the history of the United Nations.
“Kenya was at the very centre of this process,” he said.
He said Kenya’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy has stood out even during this challenging time where President Uhuru Kenyatta has been engaging with world leaders and institutions in proffering solutions for concerted response measures to COVID-19.
— NNN-BERNAMA