MENA Newswire News Desk: Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), delivered the country’s statement during the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his address, Sheikh Shakhboot highlighted the UAE’s ongoing commitment to global cooperation and outlined several key international and regional issues.
Sheikh Shakhboot began his speech by thanking Dennis Francis for his leadership during the previous session and congratulating Philemon Yang on assuming the presidency of the 79th General Assembly session. He urged global leaders to work collectively toward a world where future generations can enjoy prosperity, stability, and dignity.
In discussing the UAE’s priorities, Sheikh Shakhboot emphasized the nation’s focus on development across sectors, including the economy, education, and technology. He noted that the UAE has maintained a foreign policy rooted in transparency and balanced relations with other nations, promoting stability, dialogue, and conflict resolution through diplomatic efforts. Sheikh Shakhboot also called for the global community to address ongoing crises, including those in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other conflict zones.
Addressing the ongoing war in Gaza, Sheikh Shakhboot stressed the urgency of achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire, as well as ensuring unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for civilians. He condemned the violation of international law and humanitarian principles in the conflict, reiterating the UAE’s call for the release of hostages and detainees. Additionally, Sheikh Shakhboot expressed concern over the war’s potential to spread to Lebanon, urging global cooperation to prevent further escalation.
Turning to the conflict in Sudan, Sheikh Shakhboot condemned the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recent attack on the UAE Ambassador’s residence in Khartoum, calling it a violation of international diplomatic norms. He urged both sides in the Sudanese conflict to halt hostilities and engage in meaningful peace talks. The UAE has already taken significant steps to assist Sudan, contributing $100 million in humanitarian aid and establishing medical facilities in neighboring Chad to provide care for Sudanese refugees.
The UAE’s diplomatic efforts have also extended to Ukraine, where Sheikh Shakhboot highlighted the country’s role in facilitating the release of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war through mediation efforts. The UAE continues to advocate for dialogue and reconstruction in Ukraine, seeking an end to the war and its global repercussions, including the refugee crisis and threats to food security.
In addition to regional conflicts, Sheikh Shakhboot reiterated the UAE’s demand for Iran to end its occupation of the UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, either through negotiations or by appealing to the International Court of Justice. He reaffirmed the UAE’s belief in diplomacy as the preferred route for resolving disputes, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to overcome today’s challenges.
Sheikh Shakhboot concluded his speech by calling for reform of the UN Security Council to enhance its ability to address the world’s most pressing issues. He also stressed the importance of collective action in addressing global threats such as climate change and water scarcity, citing the UAE’s leadership in hosting the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference and its ongoing initiatives to promote renewable energy and water sustainability.