02.04.2026 Statement for briefing on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
Your Excellency, Foreign Minister Al Zayani, we commend your presence here again and Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with regional organisations.
I also wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and his Excellency, Secretary-General Abdoul Gheit for the informative and useful briefings.
Denmark also welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the presidential statement and we thank Bahrain for its efforts in this regard.
Mr. President,
Denmark supports strengthened strategic cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in addressing regional threats and advancing peace, security, and stability.
We welcome the upcoming 17th general cooperation meeting between the UN and the League of Arab States, to be held in July 2026 to advance the biennial framework. We also support the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, including advancing the Women Peace and Security Agenda, and on Children and Armed Conflict.
The Arab region is facing evolving challenges and transnational threats. As we witness further destabilisation of an already volatile and tense situation with grave consequences for the region and beyond, cooperation with the League of Arab States is even more critical.
We support the proactive engagement of the League of Arab States on a range of matters, including those on the agenda of this Council, from early warning and prevention to peacekeeping, peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
Mr. President,
This morning, the Council focused on the grave impact of the escalation in the Gulf on regional peace and security. As the conflict enters its second month, the consequences for the Middle East and beyond are expanding rapidly.
In Syria, over 200,000 people have crossed the border from Lebanon due to this crisis, adding to the millions already in need of humanitarian assistance in the country.
We recognize the efforts by the Syrian transitional government to avoid direct involvement in the regional conflict. But it remains essential to prioritise the continued implementation of the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces and to continue efforts to combat Da’esh.
In Lebanon, more than 1.1 million people, including over 350,000 children, have been displaced, over 1,200 people killed and over 3,000 wounded since just this past month.
We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel that risk dragging Lebanon into a broader regional war against the will and interests of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese people.
Denmark is concerned with the significant humanitarian and civilian consequences of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and underline that all military actions must be conducted with full respect for international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution.
In the occupied Palestinian territory, we are deeply concerned by the drastic rise in settler violence in the West Bank and the continued expansion of settlements. We reiterate that Israel’s settlements are a clear violation of international law and call on Israel to change course.
In Gaza we must continue to work towards full implementation of the Peace plan, as endorsed by this Council, including ensuring safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
We need a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. We must see progress towards a two-state solution and a future of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Mr. President, in closing,
While this Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it does not hold a monopoly on efforts to achieve it. Regional organisations play a critical role.
A close partnership between the United Nations and League of Arab States is essential to resolving conflicts and securing lasting peace and prosperity across the region.
Denmark looks forward to continue our close cooperation with the League of Arab States, including through the European Union and welcome the Ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States and the European Union in June.
I thank you.