March 12, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, High Representative Borrell, for your briefing and participation today.
Mr. President. The United States is grateful for the EU’s contributions to international peace and security, including through partnership and cooperation with the United Nations.
The EU has proven a reliable partner with the UN in responding to threats to international peace and security.
Putin’s aggression against Ukraine has made clearer than ever the urgency of standing up for the UN Charter, and for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It is true of the UN, and it is true of the EU that we are stronger when we work together to address crises. We particularly appreciate the opportunity to work with the EU Advisory Mission, including though its support of Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General and other authorities, as they work to investigate and prosecute atrocities committed as part of Russia’s war.
The United States, the European Union, and many UN Member States inside and outside of Europe are working with UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs to mitigate the humanitarian impacts of Putin’s war, not only in Ukraine, but around the world.
But the EU’s cooperation with the UN is not limited to Europe. We welcome the EU’s efforts to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya, through inspections of vessels in accordance with Resolution 2292 and subsequent resolutions. Thanks to the mission’s information gathering and patrols, human smuggling and trafficking networks are being disrupted.
The United States and the European Union have taken a strong and coordinated stance supporting humanitarian aid in conflict zones, calling for accountability and respect of international humanitarian law. We remain the largest donors to humanitarian and food security organizations like the WFP and FAO each year.
Following last April’s armed clashes in Sudan, the United States and the EU have supported UN response efforts to the humanitarian crisis.
UN cooperation with regional organizations such as the EU is now more important than ever.
The United States, EU, and UN have also worked together in Somalia to bolster the fight against al-Shabaab. In particular, we welcome the EU’s augmented support to ATMIS to fulfill its mandate and assist in capacity building as it transitions security responsibilities to the Somali National Army. International cooperation is also required to combat the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The United States and the EU have both supported the efforts of the UN’s Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian and Reconstruction. Continued humanitarian assistance, long-term reconstruction planning, and aid will be pivotal to ensuring a coherent and actionable plan is in place to meet the immense needs of the people in Gaza the day after the violence ends.
In Afghanistan, we must also continue to work together to support the vital work of UNAMA and the UN-led political process to develop a roadmap for Afghanistan’s integration into the international community, in return for steps the Taliban must take.
Complementary assistance and coordination with regional organizations such as the EU can ensure more effective operations. When done right, it extends the UN’s impact and reach, and allows resources to go further.
Mr. President. The United States welcomes unequivocally the EU’s role as a crucial partner to the United Nations, and in particular to the Security Council, in the maintenance of peace and international security.
Thank you, Mr. President.