The Kingdom’s representative to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, said the world needs peace and security now more than ever LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations on Friday hailed the “new era of happiness and sense of freedom and security” that began 75 years ago to the day with the signing of the UN Charter. Abdallah Al-Mouallimi comments came as he joined UN General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and dignitaries from other member countries, in a virtual ceremony marking the day — June 26, 1945 — on which 51 nations, including Saudi Arabia, signed the document. Al-Mouallimi said the world needs peace and security more than ever as it faces numerous crises, and called for the UN’s role to be strengthened to help combat them successfully. He added that Saudi Arabia remains committed to the work of the UN, the use of peaceful solutions to resolve disputes and the principle of the right of people to self-determination. Read Al-Mouallimi’s statement in full below. ——— “Your Excellency Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, distinguished ambassadors and colleagues, it is with gratitude that I have this opportunity to join you all today on this very special anniversary. Seventy-five years ago, in 1945, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was proudly one of 51 nations who signed the United Nations Charter. On this historic day, countries came together to promote the role of multilateralism, to maintain international peace and security, and to save future generations from the scourge of war that had left the world torn and exhausted. Upon its formulation, the United Nations Charter ushered in a new era of happiness and a sense of freedom and security for the people of the world. Today the world needs peace more than ever, especially in light of the crises and risks we face in the areas of security, health and social challenges. This should inspire us to strengthen the role of the United Nations. It is a time to enhance what has worked well and revisit any policies that may be in need of revision or that might be obsolete altogether. It is a timely opportunity to revitalize United Nations institutions in cooperation with regional and international organizations to advance the common goal of establishing lasting, comprehensive peace based on tolerance and acceptance of one another so that all may live together in harmony. As we celebrate Charter Day, we are presented with the opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the Charter and to attest to our cooperation to achieve global goals. The Charter is what binds us together under the umbrella of the United Nations, an organization to which humanity has linked its aspirations. The strongest common denominator is our humanity, regardless of race, doctrine, or color; this is the strongest and noblest bond that can unite us and we must uphold these principles to reach our common goals. The COVID-19 pandemic, with hundreds of thousands of victims, millions of affected cases, has paralyzed the world in many areas and proven to us that dialogue, cooperation and fluid communication are the most fruitful ways to address the most complex problems that face our world. The early perception and coordination between countries could have minimized the impact of this pandemic, with which the world is still grappling. Perhaps the gravity of this pandemic will be the catalyst for us to strengthen the role of pluralism and to direct our investments toward health instead of weapons and war. The COVID-19 pandemic should be utilized us an opportunity to review global policies that have fallen short of producing results. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue its commitment and work to strengthen the international principles of rule of law, non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, using peaceful solutions to resolve international disputes, and affirmation of the principle of the right of peoples to self-determination. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stresses the necessity of urging all member states to instill those principles and work in a spirit of solidarity to overcome all hurdles and obstacles. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its confidence in the United Nations and all of its organizations and bodies, and confirms its continued support towards the establishment of peace and harmony. We remain faithful to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to its responsible role in providing humanitarian and relief assistance, to continue its work in combating terrorism in all its forms; preventing wars and addressing issues with constructive dialogue to maintain the noble purpose of the United Nations, which is peace and security for all people.”