Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday delivered a keynote address at the “Arab Forum for Sustainable Development” held at the United Nations House – ESCWA.
The forum, themed “Working for Sustainability and Peace’, brought together dignitaries and representatives from across the Arab world to discuss strategies for achieving long-term development goals amidst regional challenges.
In his speech, Mikati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event, highlighting Lebanon’s pride in hosting ESCWA. He commended Dr. Rola Dashti, the Executive Secretary of ESCWA, for her leadership in fostering constructive efforts towards development.
Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s historical role as a beacon of democracy, freedom, and coexistence, reaffirming the country’s commitment to serving as a model for the region despite facing ongoing crises and conflicts.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among nations to address pressing issues, emphasizing the need to integrate social justice
into sustainable development agendas to ensure equitable progress for all.
Mikati called for an end to Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon and Gaza, urging Israel to adhere to international resolutions and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories in compliance with Resolution 1701.
Highlighting recent milestones, Mikati announced Lebanon’s submission of the final document outlining the national food system transformation pathway to the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Center. This marks a historic achievement for Lebanon and sets the stage for comprehensive collaboration in the realm of food security and sustainability.
Mikati also noted that Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine had presented a proposal for the Right to Food Law, aimed at guaranteeing access to food for all Lebanese citizens without discrimination, thereby contributing to social justice and aligning with the Sustainable Development Agenda.
In conclusion, Mikati expressed his appreciation to all participants and extended a warm welcome to Leb
anon for the esteemed guests, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed Egypt’s support for all endeavors made by Somalia in various international forums to achieve its security and stability, as well as to preserve the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
Egypt also backs the efforts aimed at strengthening peace and security in the Horn of Africa region, which is a key pillar of regional security, Shoukry said.
The foreign minister made the remarks during his meeting on Tuesday with Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar, who is currently on a visit to Egypt, said Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.
The two top diplomats stressed keenness to continue close coordination and consultation between their countries on regional and international issues of common concern.
Shoukry and Omar also explored ways of fostering bilateral ties in different fields, added the spokesman.
The foreign minister emphasized that Egypt pays great attention to preserving stability in the Horn of Africa.
Shoukry highlighted the a
ppalling humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the policy of starvation and targeting civilians pursued by the Israeli occupation, affirming the necessity of reaching an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave before the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Both ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in Sudan, as they emphasized the need to take practical measures to secure a sustainable ceasefire in the African country.
The two ministers called for enhancing joint Arab action to resolve the successive crises surrounding the Arab region as soon as possible.
In this regard, Shoukry spotlight the serious repercussions of the current tensions in the Red Sea, which are a result of the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
On his part, the Somali foreign minister expressed his country’s appreciation of Egypt’s support for ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Omar said Somalia is keen to continue coordination and consultation with Egypt over the issues related to the African
continent in general and the Horn of Africa in particular, as well as working to maintain the stability of the navigation movement in the Red Sea.
Source: State Information Service Egypt