Today's Edition
NEW YORK (WAM)
Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations, concluded a visit to New York, where the UAE signed three agreements in support of humanitarian efforts in Sudan, and met with key partners at the UN.
On 21st June, Sultan Al Shamsi signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the UAE, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), World Food Programme (WFP), and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), as well as a Letter of Intent (LoI) with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
These agreements aim to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and support those most impacted by the war.
These contributions are part of a broader commitment of US$70 million dedicated to addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, through UN agencies. This funding is a substantial portion of the US$100 million pledge made by the UAE in April at the ‘International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries’. This contribution takes the total amount of UAE aid to Sudan in the past 10 years to more than US$3.5 billion.
In this regard, Lana Nusseibeh stated, “The UAE has been consistent in its position that there is no military solution to this conflict. We will continue to call for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, unhindered and safe access and delivery of humanitarian assistance, and a return to dialogue and political talks to reach sustainable peace in Sudan."
She added, “The warring parties must make genuine efforts to end the conflict, prevent further pain and loss of life, and put Sudan back on the path towards peace.”
For his part, Al Shamsi said, “The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to holistically address all aspects of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and prevent a further deterioration of the situation, including mitigating the imminent risk of famine."
He added, "This aid reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to provide humanitarian assistance and relief to the Sudanese people, as well as promote long-term peace and stability in the region.”
Throughout the week, Nusseibeh and Al Shamsi also held several bilateral meetings with high-level UN representatives. They met with Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN; Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Ramtane Lamamra, UNSG Personal Envoy for Sudan; Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director; Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa; Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Edem Wosornu, Director of OCHA's Operations and Advocacy Division.
These substantive discussions included ways to address and respond to key challenges in international peace and security, such Gaza and Sudan. They also engaged in efforts to advance peace and development, including the upcoming third meeting of the Special Envoys of Afghanistan in Doha.
The UAE remains a pragmatic and principled voice on a turbulent international stage. The UAE will continue to be a committed partner to peace, security and development, regionally and globally, at the UN and beyond.
