Publish Date: 13 December 2016 - 12:48

NEW York, Dec. 13 (MNA) – Antonio Guterres, from Portugal, was sworn in Monday as the ninth Secretary General in the history of the United Nations, a post that he will take on January 1st, 2017 for five years.

In his speech, Guterres, former Prime Minister of Portugal and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, called for a world of peace, economic growth and prosperity for all.
According to Guterres, it is time to rebuild ties amid countries and their leaders, both at domestic and international levels.
Guterres said during the plenary session of the Assembly, chaired by its president Peter Thomson, that it is also time for the United Nations to do the same and reform the way it works, as cornerstone of multilateralism.
For his part, Thomson considered an honor to welcome Guterres and highlighted his clear victory during the process of election. During the session, the 193 State members praised outgoing secretary General Ban Ki-moon, from South Korea, who appreciated the support he was given during his two five-year terms.


PL/MNA