The United Nations General Assembly on Friday elected Peru as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2018-2019 period, the Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed.
The Peruvian delegation at the event was led by Foreign Affairs Minister —and former Permanent Representative to the UN—
Ricardo Luna, who praised the achievement of Peruvian diplomacy.
In a release, the Ministry informs Peru's candidacy was supported by
186 votes, thus far exceeding the minimum of two-thirds of UN member States.
Such support for the Inca country's candidacy reflects a recognition of its multilateral tradition and commitment to the UN, as evidenced by Peru's contribution to peace-keeping operations, as well as its ongoing defense and promotion of international law, the statement continues.
The Foreign Ministry also highlights Peru's support for peaceful dispute resolution and conflict prevention which —as a UN founding member—make it an ideal choice for the
Security Council.
As a non-permanent member, Peru seeks to contribute to international efforts to face serious peace and security challenges facing the world, guided by the UN Charter and its own vocation for peace.
This will be the Andean nation's fifth time holding a non-permanent seat, following previous elections for the periods of 1955-1956, 1973-1974, 1985-1986 and 2006-2007.
The UN Security Council is composed of five permanent members —China, France, Russia, the UK and the U.S.— and 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a two-year period.
The UN Charter established six main organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council. It gives primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security to the Security Council, which may meet whenever peace is threatened.