UN chief commends African countries for accepting refugees

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, centre right, shakes the hand of Rwandan President Paul Kagame during the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday commended African countries for opening their borders to refugees and people fleeing violence.(AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene ) (The Associated Press)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. Guterres on Monday commended African countries for opening their borders to refugees and people fleeing violence. (AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene) (The Associated Press)

Leaders gather for a group photo of the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, front right, on Monday commended African countries for opening their borders to refugees and people fleeing violence.(AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene ) (The Associated Press)

The U.N. Secretary General has commended African countries for opening their borders to refugees and people fleeing violence while other parts of the world, including the developed West, close boundaries and build walls.

Antonio Guterres made the remarks Monday in Addis Ababa where several dozen African leaders are attending the summit of the African Union.

Guterres didn't make a direct reference to the recent executive orders signed by U.S President Donald Trump to build a wall along the Mexican border and also ban the entry of people from seven Muslim nations, including three in Africa, but his comment drew enthusiastic applause from hundreds of African leaders, officials and dignitaries who attended the opening of the summit.