Delivered by: Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I would like to thank the United Kingdom again today for its tireless and effective efforts in its capacity as penholder that has steered this resolution to its adoption. As the Council terminates UNITAMS in response to Sudan’s request, I would also like to take this opportunity to express the United Arab Emirates’ thanks and appreciation to UNITAMS’ personnel for their dedication in carrying out their work.

Let me be clear: the UN is not abandoning Sudan. The Security Council will follow the drawdown and transition process to its conclusion. We are sure that the findings and recommendations of the independent strategic review currently underway will assist the Council in understanding the needs and capacities required to support the Sudanese people and Sudan under these exceptional circumstances. We also wish every success to the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ramtane Lamamra, in his new appointment.

We are fully aware of the complexity that comes with the drawdown of UN missions, including the logistical challenges that must be overcome. We hope that the Mission’s withdrawal process will take into account the lessons learned from past experiences, and the responsibility of the Sudanese authorities in ensuring the safety of UN personnel, as well as looking to a smooth transition of tasks and expertise to the UN country team.

I want to stress that the effectiveness of UN efforts requires close cooperation with the host State. Sudan’s letter of 16 November expressed this commitment – and I quote – “to engage constructively with the Security Council and the United Nations Secretariat on an appropriate and agreed new formula so as to ensure a positive and actionable outcome” – end quote. That close cooperation will be critical, particularly throughout the coming weeks and months.

We reiterate our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Sudan and the implementation of the parties’ commitment to what has been agreed to in Jeddah in May 2023, including unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. The UAE supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing this crisis to an end and believes that there is no military solution that provides the Sudanese people with security or stability.  

At a moment of significant security, political, and humanitarian challenges, our ultimate objective is clear: peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Sudan.

Thank you, Mr. President.