NEW YORK – 23 March 2022 – The United Arab Emirates expressed hope for continued cooperation between the United Nations Security Council and the League of Arab States to address outstanding Arab issues, especially those that have imposed a heavy political, economic, and humanitarian cost on the region. The UAE emphasized the importance of using diplomacy and engaging constructively to end the region’s crises by benefiting from past experience and expertise to achieve stability and security.

The UAE’s statement was delivered by H.E. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the UAE’s briefing on “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations for the maintenance of international peace and security: Cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres and League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit briefed the Council. Razan Farhan Alaqil from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also spoke at the Council, providing the perspective of Arab youth.

Minister Al Marar stressed the importance of coordination and consultation between the Council and the League and institutionalizing that relationship by strengthening the capabilities of the UN Liaison Office at the League and providing it with resources and capabilities to carry out the tasks entrusted to it.

In the same context, he highlighted the UAE’s support for increased engagement between the envoys of the UN and the League of Arab States and the strengthening of tripartite cooperation between the League of Arab States, the United Nations, and the African Union.

Minister Al Marar stressed the UAE’s firm position and continued demand for the end of foreign interference in Arab affairs, and to seek solutions to Arab issues without such interference. Minister Al Marar also noted the importance of states respecting their obligations to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and the principle of good neighborliness under international law and the UN Charter.

Minister Al Marar highlighted several priorities that require consideration, including the need to enhance the role of Arab women on issues related to peace and security, to empower youth to play leading roles addressing the region’s challenges, and to combat terrorism and extremism in the region.

Following the meeting, a presidential statement on enhancing cooperation between the UN Security Council and the League of Arab States was issued. The statement focused on closer cooperation on preventing and countering terrorism and extremism, enhancing tolerance, and the importance of women’s participation, as well as the positive contributions of youth in the Arab region. Furthermore, cooperation on food security and water, desertification, drought management, and enhancing security at sea in the Arab region were highlighted. The UN Security Council and the League of Arab States share a long history and a common mission: promoting peace, security, and stability by preventing conflict, resolving disputes, and acting in a spirit of solidarity and unity.

The UN Security Council and the League of Arab States share a long history and a common mission: promoting peace, security, and stability by preventing conflict, resolving disputes, and acting in a spirit of solidarity and unity.