The situation in the Middle East shows the importance of ongoing co-operation between the UN and regional organisations, including the Arab League (AL), Pham Hai Anh, chargé d'affaires of the Vietnamese mission to the UN Ambassador, said during a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on ties with the AL.

Participants at the UNSC briefing (Photo:VNA)

The Vietnamese diplomat highlighted the establishment of the UN Liaison Office as a prime example of a new level of co-operation moving forward.

The UN’s joint efforts with regional entities should aim to uphold the purposes and principles of its Charter, especially with regard to independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference, the Vietnamese diplomat said.

Underlining the need for the UNSC and the Arab League to ramp up co-operation, Anh expressed support for further engagement by UN special representatives with regard to forming closer ties.

Furthermore, the nation continues to advocate justice for the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle, as well as promoting a two-State solution, Anh reaffirmed.

In her address, Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general of UN, said that the international organisation always places great importance on co-operation with regional organisations to prevent conflicts and maintain peace, especially amid developments relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The UN Liaison Office to the League of Arab States, first established in 2019, has strengthened its partnership and facilitated regular contacts with special envoys, DiCarlo outlined.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the League of Arab States, stated that the region is currently facing numerous challenges caused by long-term conflicts and the impact of the pandemic, adding that the AL backs the UN’s efforts to address conflict hotspots throughout the region.

Speakers used to occasion to praise ongoing historical efforts, as well as current challenges, from combating terrorism to boosting women’s involvement in peace processes. Indeed, some participants used the occasion to commend the year-old UN Liaison Office to the Arab League, with others outlining ways to further promote progress. Many others called for fresh efforts to be made to achieve a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging the resumption of peace talks.