The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D., today spoke at a UN Security Council meeting chaired by Vietnam on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Regional Organisations to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution.
The meeting recognised the importance of partnerships between the United Nations, the EU and other regional organisations such as the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the League of Arab States and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Speaking at an online meeting of the Council, the Minister highlighted a number of examples where regional co-operation has contributed to a more peaceful world.
“Across the European neighbourhood, the contribution of regional co-operation to coherence, stability and growth is felt on a daily basis […] Partnerships built at local, regional and international levels led to and continue to underpin the success of the Good Friday Peace Agreement.
“Just as we are committed to UN peacekeeping missions across the globe, Ireland is proud to have members of our Defence Forces participating in EU Common Security and Defence Policy operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mali and the Mediterranean.”
The Minister emphasised the role that regional organisations can play in ensuring the participation of women. He concluded by underlining the value of regional partnerships in promoting peace.
“Strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organisations enhances our ability to prevent and resolve conflict, and to advance the broader goals and objectives of the UN Charter. We are already doing much together. Let us commit to realising the full potential these unique partnerships have to offer.”
ENDS
Press Office
19 April 2021
Notes to Editors:
• The meeting, chaired by Vietnam, is one of the signature events of Vietnam’s Presidency of the Council in the month of April.
• The meeting will be chaired by the President of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
• The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres and the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will brief the meeting, along with a number of representatives from regional organisations including the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
• The meeting is available to view on UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/
