21 August 2014 - Miguel Trovoada arrived early this Thursday in Bissau to assume his duties as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau (SRSG) and Head of UNIOGBIS, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the country.

He was welcomed at his arrival by DSRSG Marco Carmignani, along with the Chief of Staff, Nega Berhanemeskel and the Director of State Protocol Mrs. Paula Lobo.

Speaking to media, SRSG Trovoada said "I hope to fulfill my duties in an effective and efficient way. When I accepted this assignment , I did it with a great determination, particularly for two reasons, first, because of the support the international community, particularly the United Nations has been providing for the stabilization of Guinea-Bissau, and second, because of this country and its people, to whom I feel particularly linked to thanks to a long and lasting friendship".

The new SRSG added that he counts on the collaboration and the support of national authorities, the mission he represents and the international community in the country.

Miguel Trovoada is the former President and Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe. He was appointed on 16 July by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, as his Special Representative for Guinea-Bissau.

He takes over from former President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, José Ramos-Horta, whose assignment ended last June.