Latest news with #internationalpeace
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
United States (U.S.) Embassy Monrovia Congratulates Liberia on Election to United Nations Security Council
The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Liberia on their election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. This significant achievement reflects Liberia's enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as its active participation in multilateral diplomacy. Liberia's election is a testament to its progress in democratic governance and its leadership role within the West African region. The United States looks forward to collaborating closely with Liberia during its tenure on the Security Council. Together, we aim to address global challenges and promote a more peaceful and secure world. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Liberia.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Five countries win seats on the UN Security Council
Five countries won seats on the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday in uncontested elections and will start serving two-year terms in January on the U.N.'s most powerful but deeply divided body. The 193-member General Assembly held a secret-ballot vote for the five rotating seats on the 15-member council. Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183 votes, Liberia 181 votes, Colombia 180 votes and Latvia 178 votes. This will be the first time on the council for Latvia, which was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union and gained independence again after its collapse in 1991. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže told reporters after the vote her Baltic nation is ready for the responsibility, saying, 'Our historical experience puts us in the position to understand, empathize with, and forge partnerships across every region in the world.' 'We know the value of freedom,' she said. 'We know the fragility of peace and the power of multilateralism to safeguard it.' Braže said Latvia will spare no effort to achieve just and lasting peace in Ukraine and to alleviate suffering in the Middle East, Gaza, Africa and other conflicts around the globe. Bahrain will be the Arab representative on the council, and Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said his country's election to the council for a second time reinforces its determination to be 'a proactive contributor" to international peace and security. 'Our goal is to fortify peace and stability within our region,' Al Zayani said, stressing that resolving the decades-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict is 'the cornerstone for achieving peace in the region.' The immediate requirement, he said, is a ceasefire and massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release of all hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and progress toward a two-state solution and 'a viable state of Palestine.' The Security Council is mandated in the U.N. Charter with ensuring international peace and security, but it has failed in the two major conflicts because of the veto power of Russia on Ukraine and the United States, Israel's closest ally, on Gaza. There have been decades of efforts to reform the Security Council to reflect the geopolitical realities of the world in 2025, not of the post-World War II era 80 years ago, when the United Nations was established. But they have all failed. The council still includes five veto-wielding permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France — and 10 elected members from the U.N.'s different regional groups. One major failing is the absence of a permanent seat for Africa or Latin America and the Caribbean. Under its current rules, five new council members are elected every year. In January, the newly elected countries will replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of Congo, which will be serving its third term on the council, told the council its election not only reflects confidence in her country, 'it is also a reflection of Africa's unity and its rightful place in shaping the global peace and security agenda.' Asked about the ongoing fighting by armed groups in the country's mineral-rich east, she said Congo will bring to the council the knowledge of dealing with decades of conflict, the challenges of U.N. peacekeeping operations and protecting civilians, and 'the convergence between conflict, natural resources, and environmental changes.' Liberia's Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray, whose country was last on the council in 1961, said her country has 'an unwavering resolve to make a difference for all' and to tackle the formidable challenges facing the world including conflict, inequality and climate change, 'to name a few.' 'Liberia's vote is a vote for Africa,' she said, 'and we shall ensure that we follow the African common position.' Colombia's U.N. Ambassador Leonor Zalabata urged all countries to unite and 'keep working together in harmony with nature to preserve what we have and build peace in the world.' And she said, 'We invite you all to keep working in the path of human rights.' ___
Arab News
7 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia congratulates Bahrain on election to UN Security Council
RIYADH: Saudi authorities congratulated Bahrain on Tuesday after the nation was elected to serve as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2026-2027. The election of the country 'confirms the international community's confidence in Bahrain's ability to contribute effectively to strengthening international peace and security,' the Saudi Foreign Ministry said. The Kingdom wished Bahrain success in representing the interests of the Arab group of nations within the UN and in carrying out its duties as a member of the council. Bahrain was elected alongside Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia, all of which will serve two-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The 15-member Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK and the US — plus 10 nonpermanent members elected by the General Assembly to serve staggered, two-year terms. Bahrain and the other newly elected nations will therefore join five existing nonpermanent members whose terms conclude at the end of 2026: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.
The National
03-06-2025
- General
- The National
Bahrain among five countries elected to UN Security Council
The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia to the Security Council for two-year terms starting next year. Bahrain secured 186 votes, the DRC 183, Liberia 181, Colombia 180 and Latvia 178. All five nations ran uncontested in their respective regional groups but needed support from more than two thirds of the assembly. They will take up their roles on the Security Council on January 1 next year. This will be Bahrain's second term on the council. The country's Foreign Minister, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, told reporters the vote reflected "unwavering trust and confidence" in Bahrain's diplomatic efforts. "This outcome not only validates our dedication to enhancing international peace and security, but also reinforces our determination to be a proactive contributor to these critical goals," Dr Al Zayani said. He said that Gaza will definitely be on the agenda during the country's time on the Security Council, as diplomatic efforts intensify around Palestinian statehood. "Our diplomatic and political efforts are to increase the number of countries recognising the state of Palestine, and hopefully will provide all the support that we can to facilitate the success of dialogue and conferences," Dr Al Zayani told reporters. He also voiced support for a coming peace conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. "We wish all the best for the coming conference ... if the world unites on supporting a peaceful, political, diplomatic solution, I think it will be the great present for humanity," Dr Al Zayani said. Bahrain, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The Security Council is the only UN body with the power to impose legally binding measures, including sanctions and the authorisation of military force. Its five permanent members – Britain, China, France, Russia and the US – hold veto power. The newly elected members will replace Algeria, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Guyana and Slovenia when their terms expire at the end of 2025. In another vote on Monday, the UN General Assembly elected former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock as president for its 80th session, which begins in September.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman & Spain: Steady efforts toward strategic relations and new partnerships
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman- under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik—seeks to maximise the benefits of its distinguished relations with countries around the world, fostering mutual interests and upholding the principles of international peace and security. In this context, His Majesty's upcoming state visit to the Kingdom of Spain stands as one of the key milestones, building upon over five decades of advanced bilateral ties rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Over the past fifty years, the Omani-Spanish relations have been characterized by mutual respect and constructive cooperation, solidifying a robust partnership across various fields, most notably in politics and economics. This has been evident through the exchange of visions, high-level meetings, and bilateral agreements, including the visit of King Felipe VI of Spain to meet His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to offer condolences following the demise of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Furthermore, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest during a phone call on 8 October 2024. Additionally, former King Juan Carlos I of Spain made several visits to Oman, the latest in 2014, which saw the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding across various sectors. Oman and Spain share collaborative efforts in numerous sectors to enhance economic and investment cooperation. Business forums, agreements, and MoUs between public and private sectors, along with investment funds, contribute to integration in this regard, strengthening mutual benefits and capitalizing on opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, food security, infrastructure, technology, and defense. Thamer bin Fayez Al Alawi, Oman's Ambassador to Spain, stated: "This historic visit reflects the depth and strength of the close friendship between our two nations. The meeting of the two leaders will serve as a powerful catalyst to elevate the strategic partnership that has existed since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972 to broader horizons across all fields." He explained to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Omani-Spanish relations continue to grow steadily, marked by close bilateral cooperation that has yielded multiple partnerships at various levels. Notably, economic and investment ties have flourished since the 1980s, culminating in the establishment of the Oman-Spain Private Equity Fund (SOPEF) in 2018—a fruitful result of the economic partnership between Oman Investment Authority and Spain's state-owned COFIDES. The fund was further bolstered in 2023, reaching a total value of approximately RO 133 million, with investments in 11 Spanish companies across sectors such as food industries, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and marketing. He noted that recent years have seen a significant expansion in agreements between the two countries' sovereign wealth funds, operating on an international scale. Oman has become the third-largest recipient of Spanish investments in the GCC, amounting to around RO 37 million, positioning it as a reliable and attractive partner for Spanish economic sectors, including tourism, civil engineering, chemical and metal industries, water management, and commercial activities. Trade between the two nations reached nearly RO 94 million by the end of 2024, with Oman's exports to Spain totaling RO 33.8 million and imports from Spain amounting to RO 60.4 million , according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information. Key imports from Spain include ships, aircrafts, vehicles, foundry products, flooring, and ammunition, while Oman's primary exports to Spain consist of aluminum, plastics, electrical materials, organic chemical products, and frozen fish. Over 30 Spanish companies are developing strategic projects in Oman, such as Aqualia, which collaborates with Majis Company in managing water facilities at Sohar Port. Spanish company Elecnor is implementing solar and wind energy projects in Oman, while Técnicas Reunidas is involved in the new Duqm refinery. Efforts to strengthen economic cooperation were further highlighted by the first Oman-Spain Business Forum held in Madrid and Barcelona in October 2024, organized in collaboration with the two countries' chambers of commerce. On cultural ties, the ambassador noted the deep-rooted historical connections dating back to the Arab migration to Andalusia and their role in its civilization. Among prominent Omani figures in Andalusia was the physician Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Uzdi Al Sohari (Ibn Al-Dhahabi), author of the Encyclopedia of Water (the first linguistic-medical dictionary in history), who passed away in Valencia in 1064. Further evidence of historical ties includes Spanish researchers identifying royal Spanish insignia engraved on ancient cannons in Omani forts, particularly at Jabrin Castle. The ambassador affirmed that Oman remains committed to promoting its cultural, heritage, tourism, and academic wealth in line with Oman Vision 2040. This was vividly showcased at the FITUR International Tourism Fair, where Oman's pavilion won the award for best innovative design, enhancing its image as a tourist destination for Spanish audiences. An Omani cultural evening held on the sidelines attracted over 300 high-profile guests, offering insights into Oman's rich heritage and tourism attractions, he added. Bilateral and multilateral coordination between the two nations is crucial in promoting regional and global stability through joint efforts in security, mediation, and conflict resolution, stressed the ambassador. Their political stances align closely, as seen in their unified votes at the UN General Assembly on key issues, including ending the occupation of Palestinian territories, recognizing the State of Palestine, and supporting the two-state solution—reflecting a shared commitment to protecting international order, multilateralism, and peoples' right to self-determination and peaceful coexistence, pointed out the Ambassador. For his part, Francisco Javier Simone, Spain's Ambassador to Oman, emphasized that relations between the two nations are exceptionally friendly and robust, marked by mutual respect and strong institutional ties. Both countries take pride in their joint efforts to promote global understanding and cooperation, alongside advocating dialogue and adherence to international law in conflict resolution. He told Oman News Agency (ONA) that His Majesty the Sultan's visit holds immense significance for bilateral relations, serving as a unique opportunity to assess past cooperation and explore new collaborative avenues. Oman's strategic regional position and trade ties with major markets like the U.S. and India make it an ideal partner, affirmed the ambassador. He pointed out that Spanish companies have increasingly recognized the importance of a sustained presence in Oman, with many specializing in engineering and construction having executed projects over the past two decades. Cooperation extends to energy, civil aviation, defense, logistics, and tourism, with promising opportunities in space and clean energy. When it comes to culture, the ambassador stressed the importance of learning the Arabic and Spanish language to strengthen academic relations and long-term people-to-people exchanges. He noted a growing sense of closeness between the two peoples, with Omanis frequently traveling to Spain for business and tourism, while more Spanish people express interest in visiting Oman. On his turn, Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), stated that His Majesty the Sultan's visit to Spain marks a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The visit underscores His Majesty's keenness on enhancing economic cooperation and opening new avenues for trade and investment partnerships, he added. He noted the significant progress in economic cooperation and trade between the two countries, with the OCCI working alongside its Spanish counterpart to explore promising investment opportunities across various sectors. Business forums have played a key role in fostering private-sector engagement, facilitating trade discussions, and developing joint projects that support economic diversification and mutual investment, he pointed out. "We take pride in the success of the Oman-Spain Private Equity Fund, which embodies the two nations' commitment to long-term economic partnerships. The fund allows the Omani market to benefit from Spanish expertise, technology transfer, and profitable returns, contributing to economic growth in both countries," he said. He highlighted promising opportunities for cooperation in vital sectors such as industry, tourism, the digital economy, medical tourism, and food resource management, noting that the Spanish market serves as a gateway for Omani investments into Europe.
