UN chief hails successor as ‘superb choice’

Outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed his likely succesor Antonio Guterres as “a superb choice”, saying the former Portuguese premier’s wide knowledge of global affairs will serve him well in leading the world body during a crucial period.

“I congratulate Antonio Guterres, who is expected to be nominated officially in a few hours by the Security Council for the General Assembly’s consideration to become the next Secretary-General of the UN,” Ban told reporters in Rome. He, however, noted that Guterres has a special responsibility to include, support and empower the world’s women and girls.