Statement by United Arab Emirates at High-Level General Debate of 81st Session of UN General Assembly

New York: Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, affirmed in the UAE's statement at the High-Level General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly that "our region and the world are undergoing a period of rapid transformation, marked by intensifying challenges and divisions. "Amid all this, the United Arab Emirates stands tall - guided by a clear vision and unwavering determination to transform challenges into opportunities, turn ambitions into achievements, and open new horizons for peace, development, and prosperity for our people, the peoples of the region, and the world.” He said, "This stems from our principled approach rooted in de-escalation, bridge-building, the promotion of diplomacy and dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the rejection of the unlawful use or threat of force, as well as coercion. This approach is grounded in full respect for the sovereignty of States, good-neighborly relations, international law, and the Charter of the United Nations.” He continued, "These values have long underpinned our domestic and foreign policies: "As Iran continues its occupation of the three Emirati islands - Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa - which we reject, the United Arab Emirates has consistently called for a peaceful settlement of this conflict, whether through direct negotiations or by recourse to the International Court of Justice. "Amid growing threats to navigation in our region and beyond, my country has continued to emphasise the principles of freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage. We stress the need to secure and protect the safe flow of supply chains, trade, and energy in accordance with international law, including the law of the sea, and the principle of state sovereignty, recognizing these as pillars of food security, development, and prosperity of nations. "The United Arab Emirates has continued to support every sincere effort to achieve peace, particularly in Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, and elsewhere.” He added, "We have also supported efforts to reach a sustainable political solution to the Question of the Moroccan Sahara, based on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, while affirming the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty over this territory. "Furthermore, we have advocated for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter - including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We have remained steadfast in our role as a trusted international mediator, successfully conducting twenty-six mediations that facilitated the exchange of nearly eight thousand prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, ensuring their safe return to their homelands and families.” He added, "The UAE has also stood ready to support nations undergoing positive transformations - such as Syria and Lebanon - as they move towards a secure and stable future. "Regarding Sudan, my country has underscored the imperative of ending the humanitarian catastrophe, securing a permanent and unconditional ceasefire that would bring an end to the civil war. This includes launching a comprehensive and credible political process, led by civilians, which would culminate in the formation of a civil government independent of both parties to the conflict and of extremist groups. It is crucial to ensure that neither side of the conflict has a role in the new civilian government. "The future of Sudan must be decided solely by the Sudanese people, and the international community must press the leaders of Port Sudan authorities and those of Rapid Support Forces, as parties to the conflict, to engage seriously with international initiatives.” He continued, "As for Gaza, the UAE was among the first to support the framework established by the international community to end the horrific war. We have stressed the need to fully implement US President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza - and the associated roadmap - including Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the disarmament of Hamas, and the advancement of a serious political horizon leading to a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian Question based on the two-state solution. This entails the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security. We also underscore the importance of ensuring the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under a Palestinian authority that, once reformed, will be capable to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure that arms remain solely under its control. "We further underscore the urgent need to halt Israel's dangerous escalation in the West Bank and its settlement activities - which are accompanied by the rise of settler violence, terrorism, and the siege of Palestinian villages, as well as the ongoing violations in East Jerusalem and at holy