23 January 2025
Mr. President,
I would like to begin by welcoming Algeria’s initiative in organizing this meeting, and by thanking the Secretary-General of the Arab League and Mr. Khiari for their presentations.
Cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League is crucial to meeting the many challenges facing the region.
The Arab world is facing a multiplicity of crises. The ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza must put an end to the unprecedented cycle of violence that began with the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. It must also guarantee the massive delivery of humanitarian aid to the population, and pave the way for a political solution.
The region faces major challenges. The terrorist threat remains, particularly that of Daech. It is important that the new authorities in Damascus continue the fight against terrorism. We will continue to contribute to this.
To prevent conflict, we must respond to the social, economic and political aspirations of the population. The upcoming transition in Syria will be key in this respect, and we call for it to involve all components of Syrian society.
Finally, climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities. In the Arab world, desertification, increasing drought and growing water insecurity are a reality. Mitigating and adapting to them is a necessity so as to foster regional stability.
France and the European Union stand shoulder to shoulder with their Arab partners in tackling these many challenges. We encourage the United Nations and the Arab League to work together in this direction.
In Gaza, beyond the humanitarian response, it is urgent to work towards a political settlement based on a two-state solution. France will stand by the United Nations and the Arab League to achieve this. Together with Saudi Arabia, we will be co-chairing an international conference in New York in June on the implementation of the two-state solution. In Lebanon, the cessation of hostilities achieved thanks to the joint efforts of France and the United States has given renewed hope to displaced populations on both sides of the Blue Line. It is essential that all parties fully respect their commitments, in order to reinforce this momentum and achieve full implementation of resolution 1701. In Sudan, France will continue its efforts to mobilize the international community on the humanitarian front, to encourage the urgent conclusion of a ceasefire, and to promote a political solution.
In resolving these crises, the United Nations plays a decisive role through peace operations deployed in several countries. The involvement of the Arab League is just as essential. In Yemen, the peace process must resume without delay under the aegis of the UN Special Envoy.
France remains convinced that dialogue is essential to ease tensions and find solutions to the region’s challenges. In Iraq, it will continue to promote the Baghdad format, which brings together a majority of the region’s players. This format continues to make sense in the light of the reconfigurations underway in the region.
France believes that defending multilateralism based on respect for the rule of law is in the interests of both the Arab League and the countries of the region.
Thank you.