Foreign ministers from 15 African nations are meeting to discuss proposals for strengthening the continent's role in the U.N. Security Council.
African Union officials helped organize the talks in Swaziland aimed at finding agreement on a set of proposals to add members to the U.N.'s top decision-making body.
One plan under discussion would include six new permanent members without veto power, including two from Africa.
Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa have said they are interested in representing the continent at the Security Council.
Ministers at this week's meeting are not expected to name candidates for possible new seats.
Last year, a U.N. panel called for studies on expanding the Security Council, which includes five permanent members and 10 seats elected by the U.N. General Assembly.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.