The African Union (AU) summit, which wrapped up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, endorsed South Africa's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Elections for the African seat of the council will be held during the 65th session of the UN General Assembly in October 2010. If elected, South Africa will serve a second term as a non-permanent member of the council.

South Africa's possible candidature for 2011 to 2012 will be guided by its commitment to strengthening the multilateral system and its support for a broader multilateral approach to questions of international peace and security.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said that South Africa's nomination follows close on the heels of the AU summit electing the country to serve in the AU's Peace and Security Council for a second term.

It said that membership of the council will also present an opportunity to promote the African Agenda and to contribute to achieving peace and stability in the continent and all regions of the world.