Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. They discussed the current regional escalation and its impact on Arab security and stability. Fahmy reviewed the repercussions of the escalation on international navigation, energy security, and global trade. The meeting addressed the need for serious international action to address the root causes of the escalation.
Fahmy emphasized the Arab League's solidarity with its member states in safeguarding their security, sovereignty, and vital infrastructure. He stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is a firm principle in international law that must not be compromised. The two sides agreed that containing the escalation requires addressing its root causes rather than just managing its effects. They also discussed the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The meeting addressed the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip and Israeli violations in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. Fahmy stressed the need to compel Israel to comply with international law and humanitarian law. He pointed out that broad international recognition of the State of Palestine necessitates a move to practical steps leading to ending the occupation and establishing an independent state. Fahmy affirmed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Fahmy and Guterres also reviewed developments in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Libya, as well as the humanitarian deterioration in Sudan. They urged an immediate ceasefire and the opening of safe corridors to deliver aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. The two officials praised the strong partnership between the United Nations and the Arab League, describing it as a model in cooperation between international and regional organizations.
Fahmy and Guterres stressed the importance of continuing effective coordination between the two organizations on various regional and international files. They aimed to achieve peace and stability in the Arab region and the world. Fahmy also met with Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Fahmy listened to a presentation on the United Nations' humanitarian efforts in various parts of the Arab region.
Fahmy stressed the need for concerted efforts to alleviate deteriorating humanitarian conditions in several parts of the region. He expressed the Arab League's readiness to cooperate with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to support efforts to improve humanitarian conditions. The Arab League chief emphasized the need for cooperation to address humanitarian crises in the region.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly. Fahmy's discussions with Guterres and Fletcher highlighted the Arab League's commitment to regional stability and cooperation with international organizations. The two officials demonstrated their commitment to addressing regional challenges through effective coordination and cooperation.
Key points
- Fahmy and Guterres discussed the regional escalation and its impact on Arab security and stability.
- The two officials emphasized the need for serious international action to address the root causes of the escalation.
- Fahmy and Guterres praised the strong partnership between the United Nations and the Arab League.
