During the meeting, the ministers discussed agenda items related to protecting Arab national security, addressing Iran’s and Turkey’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE has participated in the 156th session of the Arab League Council, which was held on Thursday in Cairo at the level of foreign ministers, and aimed to discuss various developments in the Arab region.
Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, represented the UAE at the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed agenda items related to protecting Arab national security, addressing Iran’s and Turkey’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries, supporting the Palestinian cause, the crises in Libya, Syria and Yemen, and the coordination of Arab stances on topics raised for the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
The session of the Arab League Council was preceded by a consultation meeting held by Arab foreign ministers in which they discussed key agenda topics.
On the sidelines of the event, the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee to follow-up the developments of the crisis held a meeting chaired by Saudi Arabia.
The committee’s members included representatives from the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain, in addition to Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League Secretary-General.
The Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with taking measures to stop Israel’s violations in Jerusalem also held a meeting, which was chaired by Jordan.
The committee’s members included representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to the Arab League Secretary-General.
The Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with following up on Turkish interference in the affairs of Arab countries held a meeting chaired by Sameh Shoukry, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Its members included representatives from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, in addition to the Arab League Secretary-General.
UAE pitches for inclusive transitions from UN peacekeeping missions
The UAE affirmed that it would work with United Nations Member States and the United Nations system to implement transitions that are inclusive and prevent the recurrence of conflict during its term on the Council.
In a written statement to the UN Security Council for its open debate examining the transition period when peacekeeping missions end, the UAE highlighted the importance of employing clear, realistic, and tailored transition strategies for peacekeeping missions that are scaling back their operations. It emphasised that the transition period should prioritise the active participation of relevant stakeholders to build back resilient, stable, and inclusive societies.
“Transitioning from UN peacekeeping is important and necessary,” the UAE stated. “If not done properly, however, these transitions could result in fragile political, humanitarian, and security situations. Transition strategies should prioritize the protection of civilians, reinforce the capacity of host countries, and guarantee the active participation of women and youth.”
In its statement, the UAE underscored the importance of a holistic approach that engages local communities, including women and youth. The UAE recommended that the UN Security Council engage directly with host countries to better address their needs. Additionally, the UAE emphasised that peace operations should continue to work together with UN country teams to ensure that sustainable infrastructure is left behind for host communities and that critical work continues in the absence of peacekeeping forces.