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His Excellency Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We extend our gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting this meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement. We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the Russian Federation’s admission as an observer state.
Throughout its history NAM has played a critical role in reinforcing multilateral action in the face of global challenges, and in service of peace and prosperity. The commitment of the United Arab Emirates to NAM’s role and its goals remains resolute.
Mr. President,
The cooperative pursuit of international peace and sustainable development has guided the foreign policy of the UAE since our independence in 1971. In fact, these principles motivated one of our first acts in a multilateral setting – joining the Non-Aligned Movement – and it will be just as strong a motivation during our upcoming membership of the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. President,
Climate change, pandemics, international terrorism, unresolved conflict, and global inequity show that we must unite in effort and purpose. We all aspire for a future where our children realize their potential in safe and nurturing environments. That future demands a renewed commitment to the principles of this organization: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful co-existence.
The principles of NAM are consistently reflected in the approach of the United Arab Emirates to issues of peace and security. While we remain firm in our position over the UAE’s legitimate right of sovereignty over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, we continue to call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to join us in settling this dispute with peaceful means, either through negotiations or in the International Court of Justice.
In the same vein, we wish to reaffirm the UAE’s readiness to support all regional and international efforts aimed at advancing the Middle East Peace Process and achieving the two-state solution through the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 4th of June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, Madrid references, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Mr. President,
The UAE believes that our time and effort are better spent building a peaceful future where diverse people work together in thriving societies. Our historic peace agreement with Israel reflects this abiding belief. The Abraham Accord is based on enduring values: dialogue, tolerance, and co-existence – and we intend to use it to chart a new, better path for all the people of the Middle East.
In just a few months, we will showcase the potential of this path when we welcome the world to Expo Dubai. There, guests and participants will witness the most innovative solutions to our greatest global challenges. But they will also experience the essential truth about the human spirit: freed from the burdens of war, extremism, and poverty, we are capable of remarkable things.
Mr. President,
From its founding, the UAE has pursued the path of peace, cooperation, and tolerance. Since then, the world has undergone remarkable change. But here we are, once more, at a historic crossroad. The choice for us is not between two new competing poles of the international system. It is between the forces of progress and the forces of despair – and the choice is clear.
The UAE will continue on its path, with fellow NAM members, at Expo Dubai, at the UN Security Council, and at every opportunity and in every setting. We do not underestimate the scale of the challenges before us. But we are confident that through a renewal of the principles which first gave rise to this organization, its foundational goal, a peaceful and stable world, is within reach.
Thank you.