Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, headed the UAE delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was held from 17th to 18th January, in the capital of the Republic of Uganda, Kampala. The meeting was held in preparation for the 19th summit of the Movement.

During his speech, Al Marar expressed his gratitude to Uganda’s government for hosting the event, and congratulated its leadership on securing the Presidency for the term 2024-2027. He also expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan for its efforts during its presidential term of the previous session.

Al Marar affirmed the UAE’s commitment to the principles and vision of the movement, and to reinforcing multilateralism and cooperation to confront challenges and achieve common goals based on the principles of international law, as well as the objectives of the UN Charter, in addition to the friendly relations between countries, and resolving conflicts in peaceful ways. In addition, he underscored the UAE’s commitment to consolidating a culture of peace, refraining from the use of force and interference in countries’ internal affairs, respecting countries’ sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, and resolving disputes peacefully according to the UN charter and international law.

Al Marar emphasised the UAE’s unwavering and steadfast position on the issue of the three Emirati islands occupied by Iran, which demonstrates support for peaceful efforts and initiatives that aim to resolve the issue through bilateral negotiations or accepting to refer the case to the International Court of Justice in accordance with the principles and rules of international law.

The UAE Minister of State also addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the UAE’s priority is to work towards reaching a ceasefire, safeguarding the lives of civilians, providing sufficient and sustainable relief and medical aid, and to avoid a regional spillover that would threaten security and stability in the region.

In this regard, Al Marar reviewed the UAE’s endeavours within the “Gallant Knight 3” initiative, and the substantial and continuous relief sent to civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the diplomatic efforts and calls since the outbreak of the crisis in the Strip, that seek to halt escalation, reach a cease-fire, restore peace, and prevent further loss of life. He reiterated the UAE’s successful efforts during its non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council in adopting resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).

With regard to developments in Sudan, he emphasised that diplomatic action has always been, and continues to be, aligned with efforts to call for restraint, de-escalation, and action to end the conflict.

Furthermore, Al Marar referred to the UAE’s successful hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), where the historic ‘UAE Consensus’ was adopted, which included an unprecedented declaration to address the repercussions of climate change, in addition to the announcement of a special fund with the value of US$30 billion for climate solutions worldwide to bridge the financing gap. The event also delivered a historic negotiated outcome to operationalise Loss and Damage with a contribution exceeding US$550 million, and supported the health sector across the African continent with a fund with the value of US$220 million, in addition to concluding important agreements that aim to contribute to advancing climate action.

Al Marar underscored that the UAE will host the World Government Summit under the theme ‘Shaping the Future Governments’ from 12th to 14th February, bringing together government leaders, global experts and decision-makers to discuss the necessary tools and policies for the procedures of future governments. The country will also host the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Abu Dhabi from 26th to 29th February, to give new impetus to the future of the organisation and the multilateral trading system.

Moreover, Al Marar stressed the importance of securing freedom of trade and the free flow of goods and services worldwide, and of rejecting protectionist policies and barriers, in order to reduce inflationary pressures and provide flexible and sustainable supply chains. He underscored the necessity of collective action to confront global challenges, to reduce risks to freedom of trade and maritime commercial transport and confront threats to freedom of maritime navigation, especially by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. Al Marar also highlighted the significance of all countries working in solidarity to protect maritime navigation and vital maritime straits within the framework of stable international law and rules.