The comments by the Vietnamese diplomat came during an online conference hosted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on June 22, during which he emphasised the importance of the constant support of the international community for the Central African Republic. This assistance is crucial to maintaining peace, preparing for elections, as well as dealing with humanitarian issues and the impact of the novel coronavirus crisis (COVID-19).

He also underlined the necessity of ensuring that security and safety for peacekeepers and humanitarian workers is maintained as they go about performing their duties in the African nation.

Participants displayed their interest in following the Peace Agreement between the government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups, as well as for gearing up the country’s preparations for its parliamentary and presidential elections in late 2020 and early 2021.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean- Pierre Lacroix joined with representatives from the African Union and the EU to state how they are working hard to ensure that the African country receives support in order to resolve its current challenges.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has served to exacerbate the humanitarian situation on the ground, causing plenty of socio-economic difficulties, the representatives noted.

Central African Foreign Minister Sylvie Baipo-Temon offered her thanks to the UNSC for its support of the country, especially in ensuring security and stability through operations relating to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central Africa.

She underlined the government's great efforts to uphold the Peace Agreement via measures such as reforming government activities, law-making, and building mechanisms in an effort to ensure the full implementation of the agreement.

The Central African Republic is now actively preparing for elections to ensure that they run smoothly and are successfully held on schedule this year, Foreign Minister Baipo-Temon added.