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I am pleased to be able to participate in this meeting of the Security Council, and welcome the opportunity to focus on both strengthening the United Nations - African Union relationship, and on efforts by the international community to further enhance the AU's capacity for peacekeeping.
Before I begin, I would like to welcome you, Mr. President, as the new Permanent Representative of your great country,

Libya, and also congratulate you in your role as President of the Security Council. I assure you of my full cooperation in discharging your duties, not only as the President of the Security Council, but also as Ambassador of your country.

Let me take this opportunity to welcome H.E. Mr. Romano Prodi to the United Nations and express my appreciation for his leadership of the Panel, whose report on 'the modalities for support to African Union peacekeeping operations' (A/63/666 – S/2008/813 dated 31 December 2008) is before the Council today.

Last year's high level debate on Peace and Security in Africa, chaired by former President Mbeki on 16 April 2008, provided the UN Security Council, and the African Union Peace and Security Council, with an opportunity to look more closely at the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in ensuring peace and security in Africa. The Panel's report before you today presents a number of ideas to strengthen this partnership, with a view to improving our collective response to addressing conflicts in Africa.

The role played by Regional Organisations in peace and security is indispensable to the work of this Council. I am encouraged by the progress we have made in our cooperative endeavours with the African Union Commission towards achieving peace and security in challenging areas like Darfur and Somalia. Lessons learned from these endeavours will strengthen our cooperative work in the future.