Foreign Minister participates in UNGA-75 high-level Debate

Manama, Sept.22 (BNA): Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani today participated virtually in the opening session of the high-level general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in its seventy-fifth session, chaired by President of the seventy-fifth session, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, with the participation of Many of their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies, heads of states and leaders of the world, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, heads of delegations and high-ranking officials. UNGA -75 activities were inaugurated yesterday, Monday, September 21, 2020, with a speech by His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in which he stressed the commitment of the Member States to multilateralism, otherwise this meeting would not have taken place, noting the importance of multilateral action in confronting Collective challenges, on top of which is the Coronavirus pandemic. Recalling the achievements of the organization, he said it has been able during the past decades, to make huge attainments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the development of arms control systems, the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals in 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. “The United Nations is a unique organization, unmatched by any other entity in its legitimacy and ability to bring together all parties and having the strength measured by the strength of its members,” he explained. For his part, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, in his speech at the opening, affirmed that the ideals of the United Nations, such as peace, justice, equality and dignity, are beacons for a better world, and that the world needs a more intertwined and inclusive pluralism, welcoming the General Assembly’s pledge to work to consolidate Trust and cohesion between UN member states and major blocs and other international organizations. The Secretary-General added, "These efforts are necessary for the unity and solidarity we need in this crucial coming year, as we respond to the pandemic, build a strong recovery and implement the sustainable development goals," stressing that national sovereignty is one of the pillars of the United Nations, and goes hand in hand with promotion of international cooperation based on shared values and common responsibilities to attain progress for all. It is worth noting that the seventy-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly is held this year under the title: (The future we want and the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism - confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action).