Delivered by: His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

The United Arab Emirates welcomes today’s unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 2719.

We joined our A3 colleagues in support of this resolution because it marks a historic milestone in our collective pursuit of global peace and security. Throughout this process, the UAE has stood firmly in support of the African position, and our vote in favor of today’s amendment proposed today was to ensure that the resolution could ultimately be adopted.

This resolution breaks new ground and signifies a pivotal shift in the collaborative efforts between the African Union and the United Nations. By agreeing to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests from the AU Peace and Security Council seeking authorization for AU-led peace support operations, the UN Security Council has demonstrated in action what it has articulated in words many times over: regional solutions for regional challenges.

The historic adoption today demonstrates the growing recognition of the African Union’s role as a key partner and its capacity to lead peace support operations on the African continent.

AU-led peace support operations are critical. By recognizing the pressing need for collective action in addressing complex security challenges, this resolution underscores the imperative for a robust and sustainable financial mechanism to support the AU’s efforts towards the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts on the continent.

Empowering the AU in this endeavour is a strategic investment in the global pursuit of peace and security in Africa.

I extend my sincere congratulations to the African Union, its member states, and all those who have worked tirelessly towards this groundbreaking achievement. It is our hope that this resolution serves as a catalyst for continued partnership in seeking a more peaceful and prosperous future for the peoples of Africa.

Thank you, Mr. President.