Kuwait underlines commitment to UN, multilateralism

BRUSSELS, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwait has repeated its strong support to the United Nations Organization and Multilateralism in order to contribute in fostering to international peace and security.
This position was expressed by Kuwait's Ambassador to Belgium, the EU and NATO, Jassem Al-Budaiwi at a meeting of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC (called E10 Dialogue) co-hosted by Belgium, Kuwait and Tunisia in Brussels Tuesday evening.
"All of us who are privileged to become members of the UN Security Council, shoulder the responsibility of contributing to the maintenance of international Peace and Security, by working together," he said.
"Kuwait believes that it is our responsibility all as elected members to continue to find avenues that are unexplored, foster dialogue, and work towards finding solutions armed with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations," stressed Al-Budaiwi.
"Kuwait is honored to co-host this dialogue with the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Tunisia in order to share with you all our experiences and the ways in which Kuwait tried to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Security Council," said Al-Budaiwi who led the Kuwait delegation to the two-day meeting which ends today, Wednesday.
While Kuwait has had many experiences in the Security Council, said Al-Budaiwi, he highlighted three points; working towards a more equitable and fair division of labour, foster greater collaboration amongst all its members and to ensure the unity of the UNSC.
"Kuwait would like to once again congratulate the incoming elected members of the Security Council, some of whom are veterans and some who will join the Council for the first time and assure you all of Kuwait's readiness to assist you and your teams throughout your membership," said Al-Budaiwi.
Philippe Goffin, the new Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, opened the 'E10 Dialogue' saying the meeting aims to increase cooperation between elected members and to contribute as such to the efficient functioning of the Security Council.
"Our country is organizing the meeting together with Kuwait, which will complete its two-year mandate on December 31, and Tunisia, which will join on January 1, 2020," he said. This is only the second time that a similar initiative has been taken, he noted.
Goffin spoke of "positive cooperation" with Kuwait at the UN Security Council, noting that this two-day meeting brings together the 10 current elected members of the UN Security Council and the five incoming elected members.
"In the current context of uncertainty and struggles between superpowers, the efforts of elected members to work in a consensual manner are only becoming more important," Goffin said.
"With the organization of the E10 consultations, our country contributes to the increasing cooperation between the elected members of the UNSC and tries to strengthen the transfer of knowledge and to exchange experiences," said the Belgian top diplomat.
The second edition of the E10 Dialogue was titled "advancing the efficiency and credibility of the UN Security Council, sharing knowledge and experiences." South Africa and Sweden organized the first E10 Dialogue in Pretoria in November last year.
On his part, acting Tunisian foreign minister Sabri Bachtobji in a video message from Tunisia, congratulated Kuwait for its "successful mandate in the Security Council," commending Kuwait's efforts to improve the working methods of the Councill.
He praised Belgium and Kuwait for creating and strengthening this E10 group.
Ambassador Sahbi Khalfallh, from the Ministry of foreign affairs in Tunisia, who attended the Brussels meeting told KUNA that "we see cooperation with Kuwait as very, very important.
"Actually the cooperation and consultations between the two countries has already started. We look forward to continue the good work as our Kuwaiti brothers did and are still doing in New York and hopefully we will continue this cooperation even after our mandate starts," he noted.
The 10 elected members of the UNSC are currently: Belgium, Dominican Republic, Germany, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, Peru, Poland, and South Africa.
The incoming members are Estonia, Niger, Saint-Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, Vietnam. (end) nk.hb