JUBA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of China's Cong Guang as the new deputy special representative of the secretary-general (SRSG).
Shearer told Xinhua in an interview that UNMISS is pleased to welcome Cong who has worked for several peace operations since joining the United Nations in 2002.
"Cong has worked for several peace operations since joining the UN in 2002 and has extensive experience in South Sudan, particularly during his time serving in the UNMISS field office in Jonglei," said Shearer in Juba.
Cong was appointed on Tuesday by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, replacing Moustapha Soumare of Mali.
"For the past four years, Cong has led the civil affairs division which has been at the forefront of mediating and negotiating the settlement of inter-communal violence disputes at the sub-national level. He has provided strong leadership of the mission's reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts across the country," said Shearer.
He added that the Chinese bring wealth of knowledge and have deep affection for South Sudan and its people.
Prior to his latest appointment, Cong served as Chief Civil Affairs in the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur.
He served in the Office in Jonglei State of UNMISS as well as the Blue Nile State and Abyei offices of the United Nations Mission in Sudan.
In addition, Cong held senior management positions with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon from 2012 to 2014 and with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2009.
He also worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
