Assembly President lauds Belgium’s commitment to multilateralism

The President of the General Assembly today lauded Belgium’s commitment to multilateralism and the work of the United Nations, noting shared concerns, such as mediation and the situation in the Middle East.

“Belgium is an important player at the UN,” Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser said in his remarks to the Federal Belgium Parliament in Brussels, where he is on an official visit.

Belgium is also an important host for regional and sub-regional arrangements, he noted, adding that he is holding a number of important meetings in Brussels, aimed at enhancing cooperation between these arrangements and the General Assembly.

The meetings are particularly focused on sustainable development and maintaining international peace and security.

“Belgium’s deep commitment to multilateralism is essential as we work together towards building consensus and a united global partnership,” said the President. “Your engagement with the development activities of the UN helps support the principles and objectives enshrined in the UN Charter.”

Particularly “significant” is Belgium’s emphasis on and support for mediation efforts, which is his main theme for the current session of the Assembly. “Such efforts are particularly important at this critical juncture in world history.”

He also noted some of his main concerns, which are of mutual interest to Belgium and the UN, such as the escalating Arab-Israeli conflict and the “devastating” events in Syria. In addition, he highlighted the four main pillars that he has identified to help guide the work of the Assembly during its current session.

They are the peaceful settlement of disputes, UN reform and revitalization, improving disaster prevention and response, and sustainable development and global prosperity.