UN General Assembly
2017

I take this opportunity to express South Africa’s solidarity with the fraternal Governments and the peoples of the Caribbean following waves of devastating hurricanes that have resulted in loss of life, injuries and serious damage to infrastructure and property. Our thoughts are also with the Government and the people of Mexico in the wake of the earthquake that rocked Mexico City yesterday. I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. I assure you of South Africa’s full support in the implementation of your priorities and responsibilities throughout your term. We also commend Mr. Peter Thompson of Fiji for his exceptional leadership during the Assembly’s seventy- first session. I warmly congratulate Mr. António Guterres on his appointment as the Secretary- General. We also congratulateMr. Ban Ki-moon on his successsful tenure.