A/77/PV.39 General Assembly

Document A/77/95/Rev.1/Add.1, containing the prepared statement of the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, will be issued at a later date. Significant progress has been made in establishing all elements of the verification regime of the CTBT. The International Monitoring System is 93 per cent complete, with 303 of the 337 certified facilities. It is worth highlighting the advanced capabilities of the International Data Centre and the elements of the verification regime through on-site inspection. Moreover, in a substantial way, the civil and scientific applications of the data provided by the verification regime, in addition to complying with the core mandate I now give the floor to the representative of Panama to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.4.

(spoke in Spanish): It is an honour for the delegation of Panama to introduce for the consideration of the States Members of the United Nations the draft resolution contained in document A/77/L.4, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization”. of the Treaty, continue showing up in new research in the fields of climate change, disasters risk reduction and others. Of note are the cooperative relations between the Preparatory Commission and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy; its dialogues with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and with the League of Arab States, promoting disarmament and non-proliferation and identifying ways to build national capacities in technologies associated with the verification regime; and the extensive efforts identified in the report of the Executive Secretary, contained in document CTBT/ES/2021/5 of 8 April. For all of the aforementioned reasons, and recognizing the importance of continued collaboration between the Commission Preparation for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization with the United  Nations, Panama submits for the consideration of delegations this draft resolution, which is presented biannually, in which that joint work is recognized and it is decided that the issue be included in the provisional agenda of the seventyninth session of the General Assembly, under the item entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations”, the sub-item entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization”. We thank the delegations that have co-sponsored the draft resolution, and trust that, as in previous years, it will be adopted without a vote, which will represent a strong reaffirmation of the international consensus in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its crucial objectives of a world free from the dangers of nuclear proliferation, through an effective global ban on nuclear tests.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Cambodia to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.12/Rev.1.

On behalf of the 10 States members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/77/L.12/Rev.1, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations”. This year marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of ASEAN’s establishment. During that long journey, ASEAN has remained the modus operandi whereby ASEAN’s centrality has played a key role in contributing to regional and global peace, security, stability and sustainable development. ASEAN is a successful regional organization and has transformed the region from a poor economy to a fast-growing world economy. We have deepened and broadened cooperation and relations with our external partners. Since the United  Nations became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2011, the two organizations have made significant progress in many areas of cooperation, ranging from peacekeeping, political-security and economy to development, as well as sociocultural and other cross-sectoral fields. At the twelfth ASEAN-United  Nations Summit, held on 11 November in Phnom Penh, ASEAN leaders and the Secretary-General underlined the significance of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between the United  Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (2021–2025)and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the comprehensive partnership between the two organizations. The resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN is a biennial resolution on the agenda of the General Assembly, which has been consensually adopted since 2002. The draft resolution before the Assembly today seeks the enhancement of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between the United  Nations and ASEAN (2021– 2025), with a view to advancing the implementation of the United  Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and further contributing substantially to our peoples’ social and economic well-being and living standards. The draft resolution also reinforces our collective commitment and underscores the importance of enhancing cooperation between the regional organizations and the United Nations, as well as among Member States in areas of mutual interest. Through several rounds of consultations, constructive inputs and comments made by Member States have been incorporated into the draft resolution to reflect the progress and development of cooperation between the two organizations over the past two years. As a result, the whole text of the draft resolution has been agreed by all Member States. On behalf of ASEAN member States, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all delegations for their constructive engagements in the consultation and negotiation process to achieve a balanced and substantive draft resolution. I would like to thank the delegations that have co-sponsored the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN. I would also like to invite other delegations present at the meeting today to kindly co-sponsor the draft resolution by pressing the microphone button.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Armenia to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.13.

On behalf of the States members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)  — the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan — I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.13, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization”. Strengthening cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and subregional organizations is key to addressing challenges to security and the maintenance of international and regional peace and security. The draft resolution builds on the efforts of the States members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in attaining aims and objectives consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United  Nations and international law, including the practical contribution of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime through the implementation of the United  Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem. Fostering exchange and interaction between the United  Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization can play an important role in supporting multilateral efforts to better address a wide range of threats and challenges, such as combating drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, as well as countering international terrorism. The draft resolution calls for increased collaboration and coordination among the specialized agencies and programmes of the United  Nations system and the CSTO and encourages the development of direct contacts in the areas of mutual interest. The text of the draft resolution represents a technical update of the resolution 75/276, which was adopted without vote on 28 April 2021. We call on Member States to vote in favour of the draft resolution.

I now give the floor to the represent­ ative of Angola to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.14.

I am honoured to introduce, under agenda item 127, draft resolution A/77/L.14, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries”, on behalf of the members of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), namely, Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste. The Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries is a space united by the common use of the Portuguese language and gives primacy to peace, democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights, social justice and cultural ties. Today it is a community made up of more than 300 million people on four continents. The draft resolution before us highlights the relevance of the Portuguese language in international affairs and notes the political commitment of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries to promoting the Portuguese language in international and regional organizations, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes . The draft resolution illustrates the work consistently carried out by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries in achieving its three major objectives of diplomatic and political coordination, cooperation in all areas and the promotion of the Portuguese language, and recalls the adoption of its New Strategic Vision (2016- 2026) by the eleventh Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, held in Brasília from 31 October to the 1 November 2016. The draft resolution outlines the outcomes of the Conferences of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries. It refers to the thirteenth Conference of Heads of State and Government, held in Luanda on 17 and 18 July 2021, on the theme “Building and strengthening a common and sustainable future”, in which the Community committed to continuing to promote political dialogue, exchange experience and cooperate in order to enhance the commitment and partnership for the promotion and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the States members of the Community, taking into account enhanced and shared solidarity focused on the needs of the most vulnerable. The draft resolution takes note of the admission of Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Greece, India, Ireland, Peru, Qatar, Romania, Spain, the United States of America, the Ibero-American Conference, the Group of Seven Plus and the European Public Law Organization as new associate observers during the thirteenth Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries. The draft resolution stresses the importance of partnership and cooperation between the United Nations and other relevant organizations, including the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, to improve coordination and cooperation in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, in accordance with their respective mandates, to increase synergies and ensure the coherence and complementarity of such efforts. Please allow me to make an oral revision to paragraph 14, which should read as follows: “Recalls resolution 73/339 and acknowledges the important role played by the United  Nations Peacebuilding Commission and its various configurations”. While regretting that, due to unforeseen delays, it was not possible to hold informal consultations, we reiterate our commitment to returning to an inclusive negotiating process in future interactions on this text. In conclusion, on behalf of the States members of the CPLP, allow me to express our appreciation to the countries that have supported the proposed text and those that have co-sponsored the draft resolution, and we invite others to do the same. We request the adoption of the draft resolution, as orally revised, without a vote.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Moldova to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.15.

In its capacity as current Chair of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development  — GUAM, the Republic of Moldova has the honour to introduce, on behalf of its sponsors, draft resolution A/77/L.15, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM”. As a full-fledged international regional organization, with the distinct vocation of promoting democracy in its member States and their economic development, GUAM attaches great importance to cooperation with the United  Nations. That cooperation began in 2004, when GUAM obtained observer status in the General Assembly, pursuant to resolution 58/85. Since its sixtyseventh session, the General Assembly has adopted, without a vote, five resolutions (resolutions 67/109, of 17 December 2012, 69/271, of 2 April 2015, 71/15, of 21 November 2016, 73/14, of 26 November 2018, and 75/8, of 23 November 2020) on cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM. The overall goal of draft resolution A/77/L.15 is to further develop cooperation between the United  Nations and GUAM and to better contribute to the promotion of the vision and principles set out in the Charter of the United  Nations through a dynamic and substantive partnership. It acknowledges the efforts of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM towards advancing partnership relations with the United  Nations and its Member States. It also takes note of the activity of the Organization aimed at promoting regional cooperation in various areas. Additionally, the draft resolution emphasizes the importance of strengthening dialogue, cooperation and coordination between the United  Nations system and GUAM and invites the specialized agencies, components, organizations, programmes and funds of the United Nations to cooperate and develop direct contacts with GUAM for the joint implementation of projects aimed at the attainment of common objectives. The draft resolution has been developed on the basis of the latest resolution with the same title (resolution  75/8, of 23 November 2020), adopted at the seventy-fifth session without a vote. The draft text submitted for adoption this year contains technical updates and a few language refinements that reflect developments in the cooperation between the relevant United  Nations entities, such as the United  Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM, since its last adoption in 2020. It was discussed in informal consultations in an open and transparent manner, during which no comments were received from Member States. I would like to thank the delegations for their constructive approach and request their kind support for the draft resolution. We look forward to the adoption of the draft resolution contained in document A/77/L.15 without a vote, as has been the case in past years. In conclusion, I would also like to express the sponsors’ firm belief that once the draft resolution is adopted, it will further strengthen cooperation between the United  Nations and GUAM, thereby contributing to the promotion of shared objectives in the area of international peace and development, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.16.

The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as Chair of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2022, has the honour to introduce and submit draft resolution  A/77/L.16, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States”. In March 1994, the General Assembly granted the CIS observer status, which laid a foundation for advancing close cooperation with the United Nations. Since then, the Organization has become a practical mechanism for deepening cooperation among CIS member States. Today the CIS is a reliable partner of the United  Nations and a participant in all the major forums convened by the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The current crises have demonstrated that all States and nations are interconnected and that regular dialogue, trust and close cooperation among us are extremely important. The CIS continues to serve as an important platform providing a wide opportunity for developing mutually acceptable approaches and practical measures, especially in the areas of trade, investment, transport, tourism, education and promoting cultural and humanitarian exchanges and sustainable development. In its capacity as Chair of the CIS in 2022, Kazakhstan hosted the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth in Astana on 14 October. This year, member States focused on cultural and climate action efforts, highlighting the importance and urgency of those issues. In addition, issues related to overcoming the negative economic and humanitarian consequences of the coronavirus disease pandemic and to promoting trade, economic cooperation and developing transportcommunication networks have continued to feature on the agenda of this year’s meetings of the CIS countries. The draft resolution before us is a technical update of a biennial resolution. It is based on previous General Assembly resolutions and reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character. Welcoming the commitment of the Commonwealth of Independent States to intensifying and deepening its cooperation with the agencies, programmes and funds of the United Nations system, the draft resolution invites the specialized agencies and other organizations, programmes and funds of the United  Nations, as well as international financial institutions, to develop their cooperation with the CIS. We firmly believe that advancing cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and subregional organizations, including the CIS, will make it possible to address a wide range of issues completely and effectively and to exchange information on best practices in various fields and bring them into practical application. In conclusion, I would like to thank all members of the CIS for their support during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. We hope that the draft resolution will be adopted by consensus, as has been the case in the past.

I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.18.

In my capacity as Chair of the States members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/77/L.18, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation”. The draft resolution is consistent with the spirit of resolution 3369 (XXX), which, in 1975, invited the OIC to participate in the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs as an observer. This year’s draft resolution contains technical updates, with the main notable change reflected in paragraph 7, which recalls the adoption of resolution  76/254, sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, designating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and invites all Member States to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner. In its preambular paragraphs, the draft resolution reaffirms the shared common goals of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United  Nations in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, including conflict situations involving Muslim communities. The draft resolution highlights the desire of the two organizations to work together on shared concerns, including global security, self-determination, respect for territorial integrity, decolonization and combating terrorism. It reaffirms the common goals of the United  Nations and OIC in promoting progress in the Middle East peace process, combating religious intolerance and preventing violent extremism. It welcomes initiatives for interfaith dialogue, including efforts to combat Islamophobia, by the two Organizations and the existing cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In its operative paragraphs, the draft resolution recognizes the continuing cooperation between the OIC and United  Nations entities, including UN-Women, the United  Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. We underscore that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC has never been more important than in these challenging times. Additionally, the draft resolution calls for exploring innovative means of enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC. In that context, we would like to thank the Secretary-General António Guterres for his constant engagement with the OIC and its members. We also appreciate his annual tradition of visiting Muslim communities during Ramadan to demonstrate solidarity and exchange views on pressing issues. Such initiatives reinforce the provisions of the draft resolution. The OIC also appreciates its cooperation with the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, His Excellency Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos. The OIC believes that addressing complex challenges requires a coordinated and comprehensive multilateral response that brings countries and international organizations together. As such, we invite all Member States to support and adopt draft resolution  A/77/L.18 by consensus.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Bulgaria to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.19.

On behalf of the members of the Central European Initiative (CEI), I have the honour to introduce draft resolution entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Central European Initiative”, as contained in document A/77/L.19. Since it obtained observer status in December 2011, pursuant to resolution 66/111, the Central European Initiative has had a remarkable track record of activities aimed at furthering its cooperation with the United Nations, based on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, the rule of law and the importance of dialogue and strengthening multilateralism. The Initiative is firmly committed to further strengthening this dynamic partnership, as evident in most of the final documents adopted on the occasion of the meetings of the Heads of Government or Foreign Ministers of its member States, the latest of which was held only two weeks ago held in Sofia on 7 November. In that respect, I would like to highlight the continued efforts of the Central European Initiative to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The CEI Plan of Action 2021-2023 was defined in line with the 2030 Agenda in order to contribute to its implementation through regional processes. The relationship between the United  Nations and regional organizations has assumed even greater importance in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic, which has demonstrated the necessity of a collective, coordinated and unified response from all regions. The commitment to concerted actions and a decisive and comprehensive approach has been emphasized through an extensive cooperation with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, which continues in a series of topical health issues. The Central European Initiative will certainly continue to be a powerful platform that will contribute to the realization of the goals of the United Nations in the region. This draft resolution also reflects a fact that directly involves and impacts the CEI region, and that is the ongoing aggression against onе of its member States — Ukraine. Since the very beginning, the States members of the Central European Initiative have stood together with Ukraine and have been supporting its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, with unanimous solidarity and unity. In that regard, we express our strongest disagreement with the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, which goes against Article 2.4 of the Charter of the United Nations. At the same time, we would like to highlight the importance of a political vision for peace, confidence, stability and security through effective multilateralism and political dialogue, including through enhanced regional cooperation through intergovernmental multilateral forums like the Central European Initiative. As Bulgaria holds the presidency of the Central European Initiative for 2022, I would like to express our gratitude to all member States for their excellent cooperation throughout our tenure. In concluding, I would like to reiterate that these biannual resolutions are first and foremost a demonstration of the international consensus on the importance of regional cooperation. They have preserved and enhanced their relevance by adapting to changing circumstances and by mirroring the dynamics on the ground, related to the effectiveness of regional cooperation and multilateralism as a whole. The draft before the Assembly today is the result of inclusive and transparent consultations and we would like to thank all member States for their constructive engagement. On behalf of the States members of the Central European Initiative, I would like to thank all delegations in advance for their support to the text.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Bahrain to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.17.

In my capacity as Chair of the Group of Arab States in New York, and on behalf of the States members of the League of Arab States  — Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Djibouti, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Oman, the State of Palestine, Qatar, Comoros, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania and Yemen  — I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.17, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States” under agenda item 127 (d). The Arab draft resolution before the Assembly confirms our implementation of one of the most important and major principles established in the Charter of the United Nations, namely, the principle of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in areas of common interest, especially in the field of international peace and security, as stipulated in Chapter VIII of the Charter. The draft also faithfully reflects updates concerning the ongoing cooperation and permanent and fruitful development between the Arab League and its various institutional sectors, on the one hand, and the United Nations and its various subsidiary organs, on the other. It also strengthens previous consensus resolutions on this item, most recent of which was resolution 75/11, adopted on 23 November 2020, and reflects the presidential statements of the Security Council, the latest of which S/PRST/2022/1, issued under the presidency of the United Arab Emirates. The two organizations have worked hard to develop and promote a well-established cooperative approach with all major agencies for more than half a century. On that basis, the draft resolution’s preambular and operative paragraphs highlight the clear increase in the desired level of cooperation between the secretariats of the United  Nations and the League of Arab States at the institutional and substantive levels, and stress the unremitting efforts of the general secretariats of both organizations to improve bilateral cooperation and consultation at the sectoral level. That was evidenced in the participation of Secretary-General António Guterres in the work of the thirty-first session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level, held in Algeria on 1 and 2 November, which established the strong partnership between the League of Arab States and the United Nations, as underscored by Mr. Guterres, who emphasized that: “Cooperation is the only way forward. Regional organizations like the League of Arab States have a vital role to play in today’s world. We must work together to advance the values based on which the United  Nations was born: peace, sustainable development and human rights.” There is no doubt that the reopening of the United Nations Liaison Office to the Arab League in Cairo in March and the recent appointment of a highlevel official to lead it will contribute to the development and promotion of that cooperation and to upgrading it over the years, especially as we prepare together to deal with many international events related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the formulation and implementation of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). From the perspective of such effective institutional cooperation, the Arab Group looks forward to the support and endorsement of all States Members of the United  Nations for draft resolution A/77/L.17, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the League of Arab States”, and to its adoption by consensus under agenda item 127 (d) at the seventyseventh session of the General Assembly.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Canada to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.20.

On behalf of the main sponsors, the United Arab Emirates and my own country, Canada, I have the honour and the privilege to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.20, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)”. (spoke in French) The history of this draft resolution goes back to the text’s first adoption by the General Assembly in 2016. Since then, it has been revised every two years and always agreed by consensus. The basis for the draft resolution is connection, coordination and cooperation. Through every revision, its fundamental goals has remained unchanged. (spoke in English) This year’s review further strengthens the objectives of the draft resolution and reflects the evolving relationship between the United Nations and INTERPOL in supporting national efforts and combining the most prevalent forms of criminality across three global crime programmes dedicated to counterterrorism, cybercrime and emerging and organized crime, notably implementing the United  Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy through information-sharing on foreign terrorist fighters, including those returning or relocating, and in particular from terrorist combat or training areas, and on improvements on border security and management and on countering and preventing terrorist travel. (spoke in French) We hope that this revision will further strengthen cooperation between the two organizations and, in turn, benefit all States Members of the United Nations that are also members of INTERPOL and, ultimately, the global law enforcement community and the peoples they faithfully serve, including those that work in peacekeeping contexts. (spoke in English) The revised draft resolution focuses on key areas, including innovation and new and emerging technologies, both as opportunities and challenges for law enforcement. That includes international efforts that contribute to raising awareness and preparedness and that condemn the continued flow of unmanned aircraft systems and their components to, by and between terrorist and organized criminal groups to launch attacks and traffic in drugs and arms as the technology becomes more accessible. That includes the United  Nations police and the United  Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and INTERPOL in designing comprehensive policies and guidance to assist law enforcement entities effectively. Further, the revision takes particular note of the joint publication of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the United  Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and INTERPOL, entitled The Protection of Critical Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks: Compendium of Good Practices, and also notes the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and its Berlin Memorandum on Good Practices for Countering Terrorist Use of UAS, as well as other emerging technologies and methods, such as artificial intelligence and virtual assets for criminal and terrorist purposes. Additionally, the revised draft resolution recognizes the potential for strengthened collaboration between the United  Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL to combat transnational financial crime and corruption, and stresses the importance of the use of notices and diffusions to circulate details of new and existing crime trends. Those relate to financial crime, money-laundering and corruption. It also includes the INTERPOL global stop-payment mechanism using the I-24/7 global police secure communications system, and calls on Member States to extend that system and access to financial intelligence units to further operationalize its use. We are pleased that the new revision also welcomes in particular the cooperation between the United  Nations Police Division’s specialized police teams and serious and organized crime teams in the development of joint programmes and initiatives and the provision of technical expertise and assistance to national police and law enforcement. Further, the revision also calls upon the United  Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and INTERPOL to continue to strengthen their cooperation and synergies in order to assist Member States in their efforts to prevent and counter the unlawful destruction and looting of cultural heritage and trafficking in cultural property, including through the INTERPOL Stolen Works of Art Database and ID- Art mobile application. The revised draft resolution also calls upon the United  Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL to enhance coordination and cooperation on matters related to maritime security. It encourages law enforcement agencies to make full use of capabilities made available by INTERPOL and relevant United Nations entities, including the Global Maritime Security Database, as well as training, equipment and capacity-building. It also requires continued strengthening of cooperation between the United  Nations and INTERPOL in accordance with applicable international law in preventing and combating transnational crime, including illicit maritime activities and in particular transnational organized crime, including the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, piracy and the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in small arms and light weapons and ammunitions. Further to the most recent review, the revised draft resolution encourages the United  Nations and INTERPOL to deepen their cooperation in advancing gender equality in law enforcement, including through the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in capacity-building programmes, in order to strengthen effectiveness and equal opportunities for employment and leadership opportunities and positions within law enforcement. That is done with a view to the empowerment of all women and their full enjoyment of all human rights. As in the 2020 review, this revision continues to acknowledge the unprecedented public health and social economic damage and the continued impact of the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease. It requires a coordinated international response, including a law enforcement response, to the vulnerabilities that drive, enable and perpetuate criminal activity. The revision emphasizes the importance of enhanced cooperation between the United Nations, in particular the World Health Organization, and INTERPOL through capacity-building and training activities with a view to strengthening the collaboration between health and security sectors, further seizing on the opportunity to encourage Member States to make full use of INTERPOL’s secure communications channels. That, of course, includes the INTERPOL BioTracker to exchange information on biological incidents of a natural, accidental or deliberate origin, as well as to make use of lessons learned to address future public health challenges. It also will help build mechanisms to detect and disrupt the sale and supply of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical products. On behalf of the main sponsors, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, I would like to thank the members of the Office of the Special Representative of INTERPOL at the United Nations for its excellent provision of technical advice throughout the negotiation process. Its valuable guidance and support was greatly appreciated by all delegations. We sincerely value the presence of the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the United Nations, Mr. Odd Reidar Humlegård, who will address the Assembly later today in support of the draft resolution. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the representatives of all the Member States that have actively taken part in the consultation process for their constructive inputs and flexibility. This review could not and would not have occurred without their collaboration, cooperation and dedication. To them, individually and collectively, we express our humble gratitude.

I now give the floor to the rep­ resentative of Slovakia to introduce draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.21.

I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.21, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development”. Slovakia is pleased to contribute to the long history of collaboration between these two organizations. It started with the explicit reference to the purposes of the United Nations in the Convention on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), its founding document. Over the past decades, the OECD has been invited to participate as an observer first to the Economic and Social Council an then to the General Assembly. Eventually, the OECD established its Permanent Observer Office at United  Nations Headquarters to further develop that special partnership. To formalize this cooperation all the more, in March 2021 the General Assembly adopted its first ever resolution (resolution 75/269) on cooperation between those two organizations, and it was my privilege to introduce it, alongside Spain. In this year’s draft resolution, we have once again sought to keep the text concise and focused, so that it provides a useful foundation for both organizations to promote synergies in their work. We believe that the draft resolution is streamlined, concise, highly relevant and institutional in character. Today the partnership between the two organizations is very much alive at the country and regional levels, in particular in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, Rome and of course, in Paris, as well as here in New York. Cooperation between the OECD and the United  Nations system spans across almost every policy area in the economic, environmental and social domains. That includes participation in relevant bodies of the respective organizations, the exchange of data and analysis between the organizations, and targeted, joint initiatives in support of developing countries. It is therefore with great pleasure that Slovakia, on behalf of all sponsors, presents this biennial draft resolution for the second time. The main purpose of the draft resolution is to highlight the existing partnership between United  Nations and the OECD and its potential to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Each organization has its own mandates, expertise and place in the international system, but by bringing OECD evidence and policy perspectives to the work of the United Nations, and vice versa, we multiply the impact of our investment in those institutions. Since the adoption of the first resolution in 2021, OECD ministers have commemorated the sixtieth anniversary of the organization by launching a vision statement for the decade ahead. In it, they underscore the importance that they place on contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to enhance the engagement with the United  Nations family. Earlier this year, OECD ministers under Italy’s chairmanship adopted roadmaps that will see five United  Nations Member States — Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru and Romania — embarking on the process of becoming full members of the OECD. New partnerships have also been forged with Africa and South-East Asia, while existing partnerships have been strengthened through regional and country programmes. Cooperation spans a wide range of topics, such as health, gender, education, climate and development cooperation, to name just a few. The impact of that collaboration is felt in countries around the world. For example, the OECD’s collaboration with the United  Nations Development Programme on the Tax Inspectors Without Borders initiative has already delivered $1.7 billion in extra revenue for developing countries. The joint OECD-Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Agricultural Outlook, now in its eighteenth year, is helping countries around the world to make sense of agricultural commodity markets in the face of unprecedented challenges. And the OECD has joined forces with the United  Nations to support the Effective Development Cooperation Summit, which, as delegations probably know, will take place in Geneva next month. We are pleased to see those developments, and Slovakia is equally honoured to host the upcoming informal ministerial meeting of the OECD Development Assistance Committee in Bratislava next June. The draft resolution welcomes the strengthening of cooperation between the United  Nations and the OECD within their respective mandates and in line with member States’ priorities, to accelerate the pace of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It also emphasizes the importance of optimal coordination and cooperation between both organizations to create synergies within their respective mandates. To conclude, I would like to thank the representatives of all the Member States that took active part in the negotiation process for their constructive inputs. Our thanks go also to the Office of the Special Representative of the OECD to the United Nations for the advice and support provided throughout the consultation process.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.22.

I am pleased to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.22, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System”, and wish to highlight some important aspects about that regional organization. The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) is a regional intergovernmental organization created on 17 October 1975, whose main task is to promote a consultation and coordination system to agree on common positions and strategies on economic issues among countries, groups of nations, forums and international organizations and to encourage cooperation and integration among our countries. Cooperative relations between SELA and the United  Nations system have been very dynamic and fruitful since the first agreement signed in 1977, formalizing cooperation agreements with various agencies and specialized funds of the United Nations: the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 1978; the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United  Nations, the United  Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the United  Nations Industrial Development Organization in 1980; the the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in 1984; UNESCO in 1988; the United  Nations in 1989; the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean in 2011; and with the World Tourism Organization in 2021. The SELA Work Programme 2022-2026, approved by its 24 member countries in October 2021, focuses on three thematic axes: economic recovery, digitization and social development. Each is aimed at goals, the fulfilment of which is supported by specific objectives defined in a set of programmes. Thus, each proposed programme will have some multi-year projects, which in turn are made up of 36 annual activities that contribute to the achievement of objectives and thus to the achievement of the goals set through tangible outcomes. With the Work Programme 2022-2026, SELA aspires, in collaboration with the different agencies and organizations of the United  Nations system, to contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and overcoming the ongoing crisis in the region through an innovative agenda that strengthens capacities of the countries of our region and by strengthening resilience and focusing on issues that generate novel institutional options for better public policies and good practices. This text is presented every two years. In that context, Bolivia introduces the draft resolution in coordination with the Permanent Secretariat of SELA. We thank the delegations that have sponsored it and all those that support it, and we trust that the draft resolution will be adopted by consensus as it has been in the past.

I wish to refer to draft resolution A/77/L.4, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization”, which we have co-sponsored. Argentina has historically been part of the group of countries that have promoted the prohibition of nuclear tests. We see the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as a fundamental instrument for international peace and security and acceded to it immediately after its adoption. The entry into force of the CTBT is also a clear objective of our foreign policy in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Treaty has proven to be a decisive instrument in finally ending nuclear testing and has the capacity to undertake the surveillance and monitoring that will be essential if the comprehensive ban is to continue to be implemented. In that regard, we appreciate the efforts made by the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to guarantee, on the one hand, a complete, robust and sustainable verification system and, on the other, that all signatory States benefit from its membership. In a challenging global context and with exponential technological transformations, the search for sustainable solutions to the challenges of the twenty-first century is a complex task. The exchange of information and other forms of cooperation are essential tools in facing cross-border challenges and the global consequences that they represent. That environment underscores the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the United Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, with emphasis on the promotion of disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation and, consequently, on the contribution to the fulfilment of the purposes and principles of the United Nations charter. Based on its firm commitment and active participation as a Member of the United  Nations and of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Argentina supports the synergies that both organizations have achieved for mutual benefit and that of the entire international community, with a view to reinforcing the essential role of multilateralism in promoting international peace and security.

At the outset, I confirm my delegation’s support for the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the Group of Arab States, as well as the statement made by the Permanent Delegation of Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I am pleased to thank the Secretary-General for his report entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations”, contained in document A/77/277, and his notes contained in documents A/77/158 and A/77/95. Those documents provide an overview of the ongoing cooperation between the United Nations and 24 regional and other organizations, stressing the continuity of that cooperative spirit guided by the common commitment to maintaining international peace and security, respecting and protecting human rights, fulfilling pledges to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), and achieving the lofty goals and objectives contained in the Charter of the United Nations. Cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and subregional organizations has become inevitable in light of the problems and incidents that afflict the global situation and related variables and challenges, in addition to the ever-expanding role of those organizations in the context of the growing number of internal and regional conflicts. Emphasizing the importance of such cooperation, and in order to address and confront all the challenges of a security, political, economic, humanitarian and environmental nature, many regional organizations have sought to enhance their cooperation and build bridges with the United Nations based on Chapter VIII of the Charter. The State of Kuwait is a member of two of the most important and oldest regional organizations, namely, the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which have enjoyed long-standing relations with the United Nations over more than three decades. In that context, we call for deepening the bonds of existing cooperation and working to strengthen it in order to achieve peace and security and consolidate stability in our Arab and Islamic region. The cooperative approach between the United  Nations and the League of Arab States has developed and strengthened in recent years, as evidenced by the first meeting between the two organizations in the Security Council (see S/PV.8548) and the subsequent issuance on 13 June 2019 of the statement contained in document S/PRST/2019/5 by the President of the Security Council, under the presidency of the State of Kuwait. In that presidential statement, the Council commended the efforts of the League of Arab States and its contribution to collective endeavours aimed at settling disputes in the region by peaceful means. Those meetings continued at the same pace, resulting in the recent issuance of Security Council presidential statement S/PRST/2022/1, under the presidency of the sisterly United Arab Emirates, which reflects the high level of institutional and substantive coordination between the two organizations to improve the mechanisms of bilateral consultation. The reopening of the United Nations Liaison Office at the Arab League in Cairo in March was a true translation of the written texts into concrete actions. The adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 76/254, designating 15 March of each year as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, was an affirmation of the common goals of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the other United Nations entities. In conclusion, we reiterate our conviction that the objectives and purposes of the United  Nations in maintaining international peace and security, preventing the outbreak of conflicts and resolving them by peaceful means can be achieved in an optimal manner by enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations in order to activate early warning mechanisms, preventive diplomacy and rapid and appropriate response to promote the multilateral system so as to address any complex and interlinked challenges, as well as any looming conflict.

At the outset, let me express Singapore’s thanks to the Secretary-General and his team for the useful report on cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations (A/77/277) for the period September 2020 to August 2022. As the report rightly puts it, the last two years were “amongst the most complex and volatile in the history of the United Nations” (A/77/277, p.3). Among other factors, the coronavirus disease pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution have created profound disruption. Across the globe, societies and economies — especially in the developing world  — are struggling to cope. International and regional organizations are also struggling to maintain their relevance. Against that backdrop, allow me to make three points. First, close and effective cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations is indispensable to building the networked multilateral system envisioned in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). Be it developing a regional strategy on youth, peace, and security with the League of Arab States; supporting the African Union’s flagship Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative; or partnering with the Caribbean Community to better address violence against women and girls, enhanced interaction and coordination between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations can be a force for good. Singapore is therefore heartened that the United  Nations has continued its proactive approach to strengthening its network of partners and welcomes the Secretary-General’s proposed annual meetings between the United  Nations and heads of regional organizations under Our Common Agenda. We stand ready to support those endeavours. Secondly, Singapore welcomes the continued excellent cooperation between the United  Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including high-level engagements between the Secretary-General and our leaders. We were very glad to welcome, in person for the first time in three years, the Secretary-General to the ASEAN- United  Nations Summit, held in Cambodia just two weeks ago. We look forward to the adoption of draft resolution  A/77/L.12/Rev.1, which outlines the many areas of partnership between both organizations, including in disaster risk reduction and management, digital economy and cybersecurity, as well as sustainable development. The draft resolution also reaffirms the shared commitment for both organizations to do more together under the ambit of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between the United  Nations and ASEAN (2021-2025). We therefore urge Member States to co-sponsor and support the draft resolution. Thirdly and finally, Singapore is pleased to again co-sponsor draft resolution A/77/L.20, on cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). With criminal networks increasingly operating across borders, INTERPOL will continue to play a crucial role in international law enforcement. As the host country of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation since 2015, Singapore strongly supports INTERPOL’s efforts to develop and promote innovative ways to combat technology-enabled and other emerging threats. We are committed to strengthening the important partnership between INTERPOL and the United  Nations to keep our societies and peoples safe. Singapore believes that strengthening the multilateral system is critical to restoring international stability in these troubled times. A United  Nations in robust partnership with regional and other organizations will help develop solutions to current and emerging challenges across overlapping networks of multilateralism. Singapore will remain a steadfast partner in those efforts.

Poland would like to emphasize the importance of cooperation and dialogue between the only universal global organization, the United  Nations, regional and other international organizations in order to develop effective and lasting solutions to global challenges. We strongly support the work of regional organizations around the world and welcome their positive contributions at the intergovernmental, parliamentary, economic and social levels to the international peace and security agenda, upholding and protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development — the three pillars of the United Nations. On many occasions this year, we have argued that in the face of global challenges of an unprecedented scale  — the post-pandemic crisis with its significant socioeconomic consequences, climate change and conflicts around the world  — we need to look for multilateral solutions forged at the regional level, oftentimes among neighbouring countries, and to test them on the ground. Effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations are a natural choice and a key element in our pursuit to improve global collective security. In that context, the ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, destabilizing the international order and security architecture, has highlighted the need for even closer cooperation and synergies between global and regional organizations. Close cooperation, however, does not mean trans­ ferring full responsibility to regional and subregional organizations. The United Nations should resolve con­ flicts and promote sustainable development in a com­ prehensive manner, using all available instruments and creating a global legal and political framework to tackle global challenges. Poland strongly believes in the value of the regional security cooperation. As Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2022, we are positive that enhanced cooperation with the United Nations is vital to regional and global stability. Also, given the changing scope and complex nature of today’s threats to international peace, we believe that the OSCE’s unique comprehensive concept of security is essential to effectively addressing the mixture of challenges that we face and provide a more holistic approach to sustaining peace and security. Let me now refer to the ideas presented in the Secretary-General’s report (A/77/277). First of all, Poland supports the proposal set out in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) for a more networked and inclusive multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a lead role. In that regard, we welcome the proposal to convene a meeting between the United Nations and all heads of regional organizations in 2023 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and share best practices with regional organizations. We should also more effectively engage civil society, human rights defenders, media, the private sector, academia and local Governments. In regard to the draft resolutions under consideration today by the General Assembly, I would like to refer to two of them, relating to cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Central European Initiative (CEI), respectively, and thank the facilitators of those texts, Slovakia and Bulgaria respectively, for their work. I would like to note that in 1998 Poland, on behalf of the OECD members, submitted resolution 53/6, on granting an observer status to the OECD. As a member of the OECD Development Assistance Committee, we particularly value the work of the United Nations and OECD focused on global development, and believe that this cooperation can be further strengthened. We also strongly support draft resolution A/77/L.19, on cooperation between the United  Nations and the CEI, and the fact that its text truly reflects the realities on the ground. Russia’s continued war on Ukraine — a member of the Initiative — is of immediate relevance to the region. We once again demand that Russia cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. That action is essential to ending a regional crisis that has grave global implications.

Allow me to thank the President for convening this plenary meeting, on which occasion my delegation will refer to agenda item 127 (y), “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)”. El Salvador appreciates the leadership of Canada and the United Arab Emirates, whose efforts allow us today to adopt the outcome of the third biennial review of cooperation between the United  Nations and INTERPOL. As a member of INTERPOL for more than six decades and as the host of one of its six regional offices, El Salvador recognizes its work in promoting international police cooperation to make the world a safer place. We commend its work in preventing and combating transnational organized crime and its efforts in promoting collaboration and innovation in police matters. In that context, my country recognizes the important cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL in providing assistance to Member States in their responses to transnational organized crime, the fight against terrorism and its emerging trends, and cybercrime, as well as in the ongoing creation and improvement of its capacities to apply the law. We are therefore pleased that draft resolution A/77/L.20, which we will adopt today, strengthens and expands the joint efforts of both organizations, with special emphasis on preventing and combating transnational organized crime, including the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as well as ammunition. Considering their decisive contribution to violence and their serious impact on society, the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and ammunition constitutes, from our perspective, one of the main problems in terms of citizen security worldwide. We therefore encourage cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL to be strengthened to support Member States in significantly reducing the transnational flows of their illicit traffic. El Salvador firmly believes that police institutions should aspire to reflect the populations they serve, for which it is necessary to increase the representation of women at all levels. Furthermore, we believe that the mainstreaming of the gender perspective in police services contributes to substantially improving the safety of citizens. Bearing in mind that this is, in our view, a prerequisite for meeting the specific security needs of the population as a whole, we recognize the importance of applying the mainstreaming of that perspective in all areas of cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL. Finally, we hope that the implementation of the draft resolution translates into concrete actions to broaden cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL in order to strengthen collaboration among their member States for the prevention and combat of organized crime worldwide.

As an original sponsor and member of the Central European Initiative (CEI), Croatia is disappointed that the fourth and sixth preambular paragraphs and operative paragraph 3 of draft resolution A/77/L.19 will be voted on for the first time since the CEI obtained observer status in the General Assembly in December 2011, just because they state the truth of the current situation in our part of the world and call attention to the aggression against and destruction of one of its members, Ukraine, which not only poses a threat to Central Europe, but also jeopardizes world security and the global economy, including energy and food security. Even more disappointing is the fact that we need to be aware that, as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states, there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. We cannot remain silent when one of our members is under attack, but at the same time we regret that the two paragraphs of the draft resolution will be voted upon, as the CEI upholds the same values as the United Nations; promotes cooperation, research and work in the area of sustainable development and governance; addresses transnational threats; includes all stakeholders in particular youth, across the region; and stands for multilateralism and solidarity. That is why we hope that this important draft resolution will be adopted, thereby strengthening cooperation between the CEI and the United Nations, regional and global cooperation and multilateralism and global solidarity.

At the outset, I thank Ms. Adriana Poloz for introducing draft resolution A/77/L.20, entitled, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)”, on behalf of its facilitators and sponsors. I would also like to thank Canada for its participation in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution in cooperation with my country. I thank INTERPOL and other delegations for supporting the negotiation process, as well as all sponsors of the draft resolution. The United Arab Emirates reiterates the importance of the draft resolution, which welcomes the cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL, which plays an essential role in supporting countries and facilitating communication among national police forces through its international network. INTERPOL is the only international organization that is tasked with implementing the law worldwide. In order to build upon the collective achievements realized so far, I would like to highlight the following main points. First, INTERPOL plays an important role in the fight against current and emerging threats, including threats from terrorist and criminal groups. The international community should therefore step up its efforts, in cooperation with INTERPOL, to prevent the flow of weapons and the spread of technologies that could fall into the hands of such groups, in addition to the issue of drones. We are pleased that the draft resolution addresses that important issue, as new technologies have become available to terrorists and organized crime networks which help them to launch attacks and traffic in drugs. That is why we encourage the international community to step up its efforts to prevent the obtention and use of such drones and other weapons for criminal and terrorist purposes. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates expresses its concern regarding the increasing threat of cybercrime and the use information and communications technology for criminal purposes. Terrorist and organized crime groups exploit developments in digital communications all over the world to target fragile infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates reiterates the importance of promoting coordination between the United Nations and INTERPOL, as well as the Member States, in fighting cybercrime. Secondly, we need to establish a comprehensive response on the part of law enforcement agencies in order to strengthen maritime security in the face of many traditional and non-traditional challenges, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, terrorism and transnational organized crime which targets ships at sea. Those challenges also include human and arms trafficking and crimes against the maritime sector and fisheries. We encourage law enforcement agencies to fully benefit from INTERPOL’s capabilities, including the Global Maritime Security Database, to combat and prevent illegitimate maritime activities. Thirdly, it is also important to increase cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL with a view to establishing and developing joint programmes and initiatives for maximum coordination and the enhancement of competencies. The negative effects of transnational financial crimes have been felt all over the world and reached an advanced level as a result of technological development. We acknowledge in that regard the importance of using notices and bulletins to raise awareness about current and emerging financial crimes and the global international mechanism to stop payments. Lastly, the international focus on implementing gender laws is a priority for the United Arab Emirates. That is why we strongly encourage initiatives that seek to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL for promoting and mainstreaming the gender perspective with regard to law enforcement. We also support all efforts to increase the number of women within police forces. In that regard, I am pleased to announce that the final batch of women trainees under the Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace and Security graduated last week and included women from Africa, Asia and the Arab region. That initiative has contributed to strengthening the gender perspective in all security sectors around the world. In conclusion, I once again thank all delegations for their constructive approach, which helped the co-facilitators to reach consensus on the draft resolution. That positive result has been achieved due to the significant efforts that were made, in cooperation with INTERPOL and in informal discussions, to achieve a converge of opinions. We believe that the success achieved demonstrates the conviction of the Member States in the importance of INTERPOL as a vital partner of the United Nations in achieving its objective of creating a safer world. In that context, we hope that the draft resolution will be adopted unanimously today.

The Russian Federation has always been committed to cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. Such cooperation is a key element of the current international agenda. We have traditionally supported the development of such cooperation on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations, above all its Chapter VIII. Regional organizations should complement the efforts of the United  Nations in their areas of responsibility and within the limits of their mandates. In most cases, they have a better knowledge of the situation on the ground and should play the key role in identifying ways to resolve conflicts. In Eurasia, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is such an organization. Over the years of its existence, the Collective Security Treaty Organization has evolved into an important factor for regional and international security. We would like to emphasize the peaceful and open nature of the CSTO’s work and its readiness to develop and build up constructive cooperation with third countries and organizations, including the United  Nations. In that context, we regret the totally inappropriate letter from the Ukrainian delegation regarding its plans to vote against the technical rollover of draft resolution А/77/L.13, on cooperation between the United Nations and the CSTO. It is a clear attempt to project our difficult bilateral relations onto a regional organization that is in no way involved in it. Such actions damage the reputation of the Ukrainian delegation above all, since it is well known that the draft resolution contains no politicized, let alone any anti-Ukrainian provisions. We call on all colleagues not to allow themselves to be led by Ukraine. It is widely known that the General Assembly has adopted this text by consensus many times. The draft resolution has no new elements this year. Moreover, putting a technical draft to the vote will demonstrate that any agreed language in similar resolutions may easily be reconsidered. In a word, for the benefit of Ukraine and its Western sponsors, the United Nations is abandoning more and more rules of civilized and constructive conduct and becoming an increasingly politicized political platform. In order to preclude such a scenario and allow no violations of the General Assembly’s working methods, it is important to support the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the CSTO. We call on all colleagues to be guided by common sense. We also draw attention to the fact that, despite this unfriendly step by Ukraine, we chose not to put the technical draft resolution A/77/L.15, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM”, to the vote. Another threat to resolutions on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is posed by attempts to politicize those resolutions. That is illustrated by another draft resolution to be considered today — А/77/L.19, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Central European Initiative”. Although that document was initially focused on economic cooperation, absolutely inappropriate politicized points were added to its sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3, injecting unneeded politicization to regional organizations’ areas of activity and threatening to expand that practice to other, similar resolutions. Some delegations expressed such concerns during the consultations on the draft resolution. However, our European colleagues preferred to ignore those and, instead of submitting the traditional depoliticized text, they packed it full of Russophobic narrative. Specifically in order to prevent the politicization of draft resolutions on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, we are compelled to request a recorded vote on the sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3 and to vote against their inclusion in the final text. If those paragraphs are nonetheless retained following the vote, we will have to insist on putting the resolution as a whole to the vote and to vote against it as well. We underscore that the blame for this lies entirely with the authors of the draft. We expect other delegations to also speak up against politicizing of resolutions on cooperation with regional organizations and to vote against it. We also must comment on the reference in this meeting’s agenda of the note of the Secretary-General contained in document A/77/158, dated 13 July 2022, transmitting the draft report on the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction for 2021. To be frank, we find it rather surprising that Member States were invited to consider the note today. This draft report has not even been considered at the twenty-seventh session of the Conference of the States Parties that will begin in The Hague on 28 November. We believe that the document was circulated and proposed for today’s discussion prematurely. Moreover, there is no reference to the fact that at the 100th session of the OPCW Executive Council, a number of States, including Russia, dissociated themselves from consensus on the draft report and its submission to the Conference of States Parties. We still have serious issues with the report. The OPCW report should reflect the activities of the entire Organization over the reporting period, and not only those of its Technical Secretariat, and should be strictly factual. However, the draft report, despite our demands, does not reflect the position of a range of States regarding the illegitimacy of the so-called Investigation and Identification Team, the activities of which run counter to the Chemical Weapons Convention. The draft report also fails to mention our numerous appeals and submissions to the Technical Secretariat, wherein we state that conveyance of information to the so-called International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 violates paragraph 34 of article VIII of the Chemical Weapons Convention. At the same time, on a far-fetched pretext and apparently under pressure applied by certain delegations, the draft report omits any reference to the participation of the OPCW in the second session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. We believe that this process contributes significantly to making the Convention truly universal. We regret that the United States continues to minimize its relevance by ignoring the third session of the Conference, which convened in New York last week.

We appreciate the convening of this joint General Assembly debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations. Our delegation would like to refer in particular to the cooperation between the United Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). We appreciate the presentation of draft resolution A/77/L.4 on the subject, which takes note of the report of the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO for 2021. We emphasize the importance of considering the needs of developing countries in the work of the Preparatory Commission and in cooperation activities. We also acknowledge the efforts of the CTBTO secretariat to overcome the obstacles imposed by the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba, which complicated the process of establishing a national data centre in our country. We also appreciate the work of the secretariat to guarantee Cuba’s participation in capacitybuilding activities. We acknowledge the participation of the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO in the commemoration of the fifty-fifth anniversary of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, in February, and in the Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in August. We take this opportunity to reiterate Cuba’s historical position in favour of nuclear disarmament, which constitutes a principle of our foreign policy, enshrined at the constitutional level. Our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty (CTBT), in February 2021, was consistent with our commitment to nuclear disarmament as the highest priority in the field of disarmament. Political efforts for the universalization of the CTBT and its immediate entry into force are crucial to including that instrument in the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime, such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the NPT. We highlight the complementarity between the legal norm established by the CTBT and the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which includes the absolute prohibition of carrying out nuclear tests. We reaffirm our conviction that the only effective way to make the terrible impact of nuclear weapons disappear is their total elimination in a verifiable, transparent and irreversible manner. To that end, it is essential to completely and effectively prohibit all nuclear tests, including those carried out by explosion and subcritical tests and all those carried out by other sophisticated methods, as well as the closure and dismantling of facilities that are used for such purposes and their associated infrastructure.

Thailand attaches great importance to a strong, multilateral regional interface, specifically between the United  Nations and regional organizations. Cooperation to solve the common challenges of humankind oftentimes requires multitracked efforts at all levels  — global, regional, subregional and national — especially if we seek to promote enduring peace, human security and sustainable development. At many times, if not all the time, the regional perspective provides greater insights into how sustainable solutions to address a particular regional challenge should be pursued, so the voices of the affected region matters. The accumulated generational wisdom of the region matters. The concerns, shortterm and long-term, of the region matter. At the same time, the global perspective can be helpful, insightful and supportive. It is a two-way cooperation. The region can enhance the global agenda and then the multilateral system can help support the regional agenda. That is why cooperation between the United  Nations and regional organizations is important, especially when global interests and regional interests align. But even when they do not converge completely, it is far better for dialogue and cooperation to be pursued in order to close gaps and help find an effective way forward together, rationalize resources and enhance complementarities. In sum, Thailand hopes that cooperation and coordination, specifically between the United Nations and regional organizations, resulting in better synergies, will continue to be strengthened as we take forward the work on Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) at the global level, for example, and advance the mutually beneficial interests of our peoples at the regional level. In short, our global community is far stronger with close partnerships between the United  Nations and regional organizations.

I now give the floor to the observer of the League of Arab States.

The General Assembly is today deliberating one of the most important and oldest standing items on its agenda, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and regional organizations and other organizations”. We are meeting in plenary at a time when the international system is at an historical turning point that may be the most dangerous of its kind since the Cold War came to an end. Indeed, we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in the intensity of conflicts among global Powers and over the lands of others, which foretells highly complex security, political and economic risks that may exceed the ability of all of us to confront or address in the midst of existing humanitarian, political and economic challenges. That requires us to address them within the international multilateral framework with greater rationality and deeper wisdom, in the context of respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the foundations of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Those lofty principles and solid foundations were enshrined by the United  Nations more than half a century ago to ensure that we would all be equal in rights and duties without discrimination. With the strong will and determination of its Member States, the League of Arab States has consolidated the parameters of institutional cooperation between it and the United Nations within a comprehensive framework that further deepens the concept of complementarity between the two organizations in the face of all that threatens security and peace at the regional and international levels. More than 70 years have passed since the signing of the cooperation protocol between the two organizations, the United  Nations and the League of Arab States, in 1950. Since then, cooperative relations and mutual coordination processes have developed between them at all institutional levels and in all thematic areas. In order to enhance that mutual and permanent cooperation, the League of Arab States aligns itself with the statement delivered by His Excellency Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the Group of Arab States in New York, to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.17, entitled, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the League of Arab States”. The League of Arab States attaches special importance and priority to a number of basic issues to advance the cooperative path to its highest desired levels, as follows. First, the Arab League welcomes the reopening and strengthening of the United Nations Liaison Office in Cairo in March 2022 and the appointment of a highlevel United Nations official to manage its work so as to enable it to strengthen its mandate in the context of the historical relationship between the two secretariats. The Arab League looks forward to raising the level of United  Nations representation commensurate with its counterparts at the United  Nations offices accredited to other regional organizations. That would allow us to strengthen cooperation further in the upcoming years, especially as the General Assembly is preparing to deal with many important international events, including the formulation of the features of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) and its implementation along with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Second, the Arab League and its Secretary-General commend the pioneering role of the United  Nations Secretary-General and his practical vision in periodic and continuous consultation with the heads of regional organizations, through official meetings or high-level retreats, to deepen the foundations of cooperation in all fields. We also highly appreciate the pivotal and effective role of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in strengthening that bilateral cooperation, and the resulting practical outcome based on the outputs of the periodic consultative meetings between the two organizations. Third, the League of Arab States hopes to reach a settlement of all disputes and crises related to the countries of the Arab region through the effective implementation of Article 33 of the Charter of the United  Nations. In that regard, the Arab League affirms its full readiness to play its regional role as an effective and neutral regional organization to contribute to maintaining international peace and security in the Arab region, defend Arab national security for its member States, and deter threats to its stability, as guaranteed by the United Nations Charter and international law, by playing a role complementary to that of the United Nations in mediation, conciliation, investigation or negotiation in order to reach the desired peaceful settlement. Fourth, the Arab League stresses the importance of close cooperation and coordination between the two organizations in addressing the ongoing conflicts that plague our Arab region, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, and stresses the consensus of visions between it and the United  Nations on the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the occupied Syrian Arab Golan through the implementation of United  Nations resolutions, international terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative, within the framework of the genuine activation of the two-State solution and in a way that achieves Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands to the line of 4 June 1967, in accordance with the partition resolution 181 (II) of 1947, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as its capital, while ensuring a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem, in accordance with resolution 194 (III) of 1948. Fifth, within the framework of upgrading the institutional and social approach of its member States, the Arab League recommends the continuity of assistance and coordination between the two organizations in developing and modernizing Arab societies and enhancing their own capabilities to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, through the relevant United Nations agencies and development funds, especially in the fields of education development, women’s empowerment, election monitoring, interest in youth and sustainable development, and programmes to combat diseases, epidemics and unemployment. The States members of the Arab League are keen to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which have become an integral part of the development plans of Arab Governments. Sixth, in connection with disarmament issues, the Arab League stresses the importance of United Nations support for the full implementation of decision 73/546 and the ongoing impetus towards establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. In that regard, the Arab League and its Secretary-General congratulate the Lebanese Republic on the success of the third session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction. However, it warns that if Israeli nuclear installations remain outside the comprehensive safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency, that will inevitably damage the nuclear non-proliferation system, especially in the absence of effective international resolve on the part of certain main parties to deal objectively and impartially with the Conference on the establishment of the nuclearweapon-free zone. The Arab League also stresses the need to put an end to all forms of non-peaceful nuclear ambitions in the region, which threaten the collective and regional security of its countries, and to stop all foreign interference in the affairs of Arab countries, while totally rejecting the illegal presence of any foreign forces on their lands, which would exacerbate the crises in our region instead of resolving them. Seventh, in order to complete the foundations of constructive cooperation, the Arab League attaches particular importance to the institutional support provided by the United  Nations in building and strengthening the capabilities of the League of Arab States staff in the field of maintaining international peace and security in the Arab region, including building, sustaining and making peace. We wish to benefit from the experience of the United  Nations in establishing mechanisms to settle disputes, raise the level of coordination and joint cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League, and establish a complementary and expanded partnership between the two organizations in a way that will lead to a unified understanding of the reasons for the outbreak and perpetuation of the crises that continue, unfortunately, to threaten regional stability. That would lead to more coordinated work between the two organizations towards a final settlement and the intensification of coordination and joint activities between the Arab League and the United Nations envoys to the region. Despite the major challenges facing our Arab world and its member States, be they related to the growing tension in the international situation and the fear that it will cast a negative shadow — including disregard by this international forum for long-standing causes, foremost among which is the Palestinian question  — or those related to the natural, environmental and humanitarian repercussions caused by aggravated natural disasters that are difficult to control at the regional and international levels. Arab States and Governments continue to strive, through the international Organization and in cooperation with other regional and governmental organizations, to contain all disasters and crises resulting from climate change. In that respect, the League of Arab States takes this opportunity to thank the Arab Republic of Egypt for its generous hosting of the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United  Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh from 6 to 20 November. The convening of that session in Egypt and of the next session in the United Arab Emirates confirms, without a doubt, that the Arab world attaches particular importance to the issues of climate change, water security and food security, as reflected in the Algiers Declaration of the thirty-first ordinary session of the Arab Summit, held under the auspices of His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. That Declaration was issued by Presidents, Kings and leaders of States members of the Arab League, along with other decisions taken by that pioneering Summit, in the presence and with the participation of the Secretary-General, who addressed cooperation between the two organizations in his speech at the opening of the Summit. Arab resolve continues to confront many economic and natural challenges as a result of climate change, and its repercussions on national and food security. That underscores the tireless Arab effort to strengthen the general and international consensus in addressing fundamental issues that significantly affect the stability of our Arab region. In conclusion, the League of Arab States joins its voice with those of all Arab countries that have sponsored draft resolution A/77/L.17, submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and calls on the General Assembly and all Member States to adopt the draft resolution, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the League of Arab States”, without a vote, as is customary, and with no additions or deletions.

I have taken the floor to register our position and to seek a point of clarification about the Secretary-General’s note on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as contained in document A/77/158. While the OPCW’s report on the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention has not been adopted by the OPCW and the biennial draft resolution on cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has not been submitted or discussed, the Secretary-General’s note on cooperation between the United  Nations and the OPCW has been distributed. That raises the question of whether it is correct and legally defensible if a contested report is received and action taken in the recipient organization, namely, the United Nations, when the problem is contested and not finalized in the main original organization, in this case the OPCW. Along with our strong observation concerning the conclusions of such a report, we expect that the United  Nations Legal Office will adequately address that concern. We also maintain our optimism that this irregular trend will be reversed and will not happen again in the future. If it does, it will cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of any such United Nations action.

I now give the floor to the observer of the International Criminal Police Organization.

I address the General Assembly at a time when cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has never been more strong or more crucial. The complementary missions of our two organizations ensure that our shared membership is equipped with the tools needed to confront the most pressing security issues of today. As illustrated through the INTERPOL seven Global Policing Goals, launched in support of the United  Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is only by working together and fostering synergies with our partners that we will most effectively achieve our common goals and face our collective challenges. Since the first resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and INTERPOL was adopted in 2016 (resolution 71/19), the international community has faced continued challenges related to climate change, new and emerging technologies and the coronavirus disease pandemic. As criminal groups and terrorist networks seek to exploit vulnerabilities, multilateral efforts such as that displayed here today remain vital to maintaining peace, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding our future. In that regard, I would like to thank the co-facilitators of draft resolution A/77/L.20, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, for their tireless efforts, as well as the United Nations Member States whose valuable insights made the submission of this third review possible. With their support, the draft resolution has been updated to reflect the critical areas of ongoing cooperation between the United  Nations and INTERPOL, including terrorism, maritime crime, financial crime and corruption, biological incidents and the threats posed by new and emerging technologies. Through their diligence, this third review also expands on existing language related to our collaboration with various United  Nations entities and specialized agencies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism, adding references to the essential work being undertaken by the United  Nations police, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and UNESCO. With the revised draft resolution on cooperation between the United  Nations and INTERPOL being adopted today, we mark a new milestone in our common journey towards a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. In conclusion, INTERPOL expresses its highest gratitude and appreciation to the General Assembly for giving us this opportunity, and we look forward to further strengthening our alliance in the service of international police cooperation for many years to come.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on agenda item 127 and its sub-items (a) to (aa). We shall now proceed to consider draft resolu­ tions A/77/L.4, A/77/L.12/Rev.1, A/77/L.13, A/77/L.14 as orally revised, A/77/L.15, A/77/L.16, A/77/L.17, A/77/L.18, A/77/L.19, A/77/L.20 and A/77/L.21. Delegations wishing to make a statement in explanation of vote before the voting on any of the draft resolutions are invited to do so now in one intervention. Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of voting or position, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I would like to deliver an explanation of vote before the voting on draft resolution  A/77/L.13, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization”. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the European Union (EU). The following countries align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. I would like to re-emphasize that the EU and its member States support cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which is an important tool for the effective settlement of conflicts and the promotion of peace and security. The Russian aggression against Ukraine, which we condemn in the strongest terms, launched in February with the support of Belarus, is a clear violation of the United  Nations Charter and of the principles of international law, as confirmed in several resolutions of the General Assembly. The armed forces of the Russian Federation form the core of the CSTO. Their role in the illegal aggression against Ukraine, with all the atrocities reported on daily basis, has indisputably stigmatized that entire organization, hampered its credibility and created an insurmountable obstacle for its cooperation with the United  Nations. Against that background, we can no longer support cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and we invite all United Nations Member States to consider taking the same approach in that regard.

Before the General Assembly proceeds with action on draft resolution  A/77/L.13, entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization”, I would like to make the following statement. Cooperation between the United  Nations and regional and other organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United  Nations, has been an important tool for the effective settlement of conflicts and the promotion of peace and security, humanitarian assistance, development and human rights across the globe. One could hardly doubt the need to further enhance cooperation with those regional organizations whose members are guided in their activities by the United  Nations Charter and do not violate its core principles. The CSTO definitely does not belong in that group. Let me recall that, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the heart of the CSTO, on 2 March the General Assembly adopted by an overwhelming majority resolution ES‑11/1, “Aggression against Ukraine”, in which it deplored in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, in violation of paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter. We have agreed in this Hall that that aggression is being conducted by the aggressor army, the armed forces of the Russian Federation, with the full assistance and support of Belarus, another CSTO member that has been recognized by the General Assembly as a State involved in the unlawful use of force against Ukraine. That is a clear act of aggression and an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, a brutal violation of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms and principles of international law, and a breach of international peace and security. In view thereof, on 16 March the International Court of Justice rendered provisional measures ordering Russia to immediately suspend its military action in Ukraine. Despite its legally binding nature, Russia has not yet implemented the order. On 24 March, the General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/2, on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, recalling its demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. More recently, the General Assembly reiterated its support for the United  Nations Charter following Russia’s illegal attempted annexation of another part of Ukraine’s territory, and contributed to efforts to hold Russia accountable by adopting relevant resolutions ES-11/4 and ES-11/5 on 12 October and 11 November, respectively. On 7 April, we were also resolute enough to suspend the membership rights of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council in order to protect the credibility of that body. The United  Nations credibility now also requires our protection. The only correct thing I can do now, from both the moral and the legal perspectives, is to request a recorded vote on the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization and to inform members that the delegation of Ukraine will vote against the draft. The United  Nations, established to maintain international peace and security and to develop friendly relations among States, should not endorse its cooperation with the Russian-led military bloc, which has become a clear example of the destructive policy tools that Russia employs in the region. Let me clearly state that the CSTO is an organization that unites armed forces. The CSTO is basically the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Ukraine cannot support cooperation between the United Nations and the armed forces of the Russian Federation, which are the core of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and, at this very moment, continue to kill Ukrainians and destroy our critical infrastructure. We understand that some representatives might have needed or still need to consult with their capitals, and that they may not have instructions for a recorded vote and therefore may not even be able to take part in the voting. We understand that, but it also must be clear that pressing the green button here would definitely be the same as pulling the trigger of firearms aimed at Ukrainians on the front line. Taking that into account, I reiterate that Ukraine has requested a recorded vote on draft resolution A/77/L.13. We will vote against the draft and urge the United Nations Members to do likewise..

I take the floor to express my delegation’s position before we take action on draft resolution A/77/L.16, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States”. The Republic of Moldova supports promoting cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in advancing the purposes and principles of the Charter of United  Nations. We understand the contribution of that partnership to achieving the respective aims of both organizations. My delegation takes note of the activities outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (A/77/277) on cooperation between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Republic of Moldova wishes to reiterate that, due to its reservations over the regulations concerning the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States that were adopted on 10 October 2008, the Republic of Moldova does not recognize the international legal personality of the CIS. The General Assembly has also already been informed of the fact that the basic documents of the CIS — namely, the Agreement establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Alma Ata Declaration and the CIS Charter — do not endow the Commonwealth with the status of a subject of international law. We therefore ask that the adoption of draft resolution A/77/L.16 not be interpreted as a deviation from previously expressed Moldovan reservations.

The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic takes the floor in reference to the note by the Secretary-General before the General Assembly in document A/77/158 and the annexed draft report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction for 2021. The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic notes that the document is still in draft status and that it will be discussed on 28 November at the Conference of the State Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague. Therefore, we believe that there is no point in presenting the draft report today under the item entitled, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons”. We also would like to note that we have numerous comments on the draft report, which we will introduce in the appropriate forum at the Conference of the States Parties in The Hague.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote or position before action is taken. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions A/77/L.4, A/77/L.12/Rev.1, A/77/L.13, A/77/L.14 as orally revised, A/77/L.15, A/77/L.16, A/77/L.17, A/77/L.18, A/77/L.19, A/77/L.20 and A/77/L.21. Draft resolution A/77/L.4 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.4: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Namibia, Norway, Palau, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Viet Nam.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.4?

Draft resolu­ tion A/77/L.12/Rev.1 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.12/Rev.1: Afghanistan, Albania, Al­ geria, Andorra, Angola, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, the Plurina­ tional State of Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, China, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, the Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guin­ ea, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lat­ via, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nica­ ragua, the Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Repub­ lic of Korea, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Gren­ adines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slo­ vakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Zambia.

May I take it that the Assem­ bly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.12/ Rev.1?

Draft resolution A/77/L.13 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Draft resolution A/77/L.14, as orally revised, is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Community of Portu­ guese-speaking Countries”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.14, as orally revised: Algeria, Andor­ ra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambo­ dia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Moroc­ co, Namibia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slo­ vakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tajik­ istan, Thailand, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.14?

Draft resolution A/77/L.15 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development — GUAM”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, Kiribati has also become a sponsor of draft resolution A/77/L.15.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.15?

Draft resolution A/77/L.16 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States”.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.16?

Draft resolution A/77/L.17 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the League of Arab States”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.17: Angola and Tajikistan.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.17?

Draft resolution A/77/L.18 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.18: Angola, Comoros and Guinea.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.18?

Draft resolution A/77/L.19 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Central European Initiative”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.19: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United States of America.

A recorded vote has been requested. A separate, single recorded vote has been requested on the sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3. I shall first put to the vote the sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3.

I shall now put to the vote draft resolution A/77/L.19 as a whole.

Draft resolution A/77/L.20 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.20: Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Egypt, El Salvador, Eswatini, France, Georgia, Guinea, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mexico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United States of America and Viet Nam.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.20?

Draft resolution A/77/L.21 is entitled “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/77/L.21: Albania, Angola, Cambodia, Cyprus, Indonesia, Montenegro, the Philippines and the Republic of Moldova.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.21?

Before giving the floor for explanations of vote or position, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I would like to deliver two statements. First, let me deliver an explanation of position on resolution 77/18, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation”, under agenda item 127 (b). I have the honour to deliver this explanation of position on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The European Union and its member States continue to support the resolution on cooperation between the United  Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and encourage further cooperation between both organizations, guided by a shared commitment to maintaining international peace and security and respecting human rights, as well as defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We recognize that the resolution adopted today contains limited changes compared to resolution 75/16, adopted at the seventy-fifth session, and we appreciate the facilitator’s readiness to take on board our amendments as regards the operational paragraphs. That having been said, we need to once again express our disappointment that, despite strong objections from several delegations, including those of the EU and its member States, the reference to the OIC 2025 Programme of Action has been maintained in the text of the resolution adopted. The EU reiterates that the language contained in the 2025 Programme of Action is without any endorsement of declarations, decisions and resolutions adopted by the OIC forums, which ought to be fully consistent with General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and in full respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations, including notably the principle contained in Article 2.7. In that regard, we wish to put on record that the provisions of the OIC 2025 Programme of Action related to Cyprus are not consistent with existing Security Council and General Assembly resolutions as regards the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and we therefore disassociate ourselves from the consensus on that preambular paragraph. Once again, we reiterate our encouragement to the OIC to refrain from adopting positions that would undermine international law and the United  Nations Charter. The EU trusts that its position will be taken into account in the future so that it can continue to support the resolution. As to my second statement, I would like to deliver an explanation of position on resolution 77/20, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)”. It is my honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova and Türkiye. The European Union would like to extend its thanks to the delegation of Canada and the United Arab Emirates for the constructive spirit in which they led the consultation process on the resolution. Our thanks go also to the Office of the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the United Nations for the expertise and advice it provided in support of the negotiation process. We welcome the consensual adoption of the resolution for the third time. Similarly, as was the case in the past, the resolution continues to fulfil the following objectives. First, it acknowledges and takes stock of the existing institutional relationship between the United Nations and INTERPOL. Secondly, it strengthens that cooperation within the respective mandates of both organizations. Finally, it raises awareness among Member States about the role of INTERPOL at the United Nations. This year’s revisions reflect the evolving cooperation between the United  Nations and INTERPOL, its priorities and activities. We share the view that, overall, it will positively contribute to the further development and deepening of that relationship and to strengthening international police cooperation and law enforcement efforts worldwide. The current resolution is an improvement over that adopted in 2020 (resolution 75/10). In spite of the overall gains of the revised resolution, there are, however, a couple of important areas where the final consensus language does not fully reflect positive developments that have occurred since 2020. In particular, we had hoped for more ambitious provisions regarding compliance with human rights and the mainstreaming of a gender perspective and advancing gender equality in law enforcement. It is unfortunate that the resolution does not take into account the recently agreed language, for example in resolution 75/291, “The United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy: seventh review”. Nonetheless, we were able to join the consensus, as we understand that the new reference to strengthening cooperation in accordance with applicable international law includes human rights law, even if not specifically mentioned.

Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is a clear requirement of the Charter of the United  Nations. It is China’s consistent position to support enhanced partnership between the United  Nations and regional organizations. We hope that all Member States will, as per established practice, adopt by consensus General Assembly resolutions on the cooperation and activities of regional organizations with the United Nations over the past year. Regrettably, during the consultations on resolu­ tion  77/19, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Central European Initiative”, the concerns of some countries about the text were not properly ad­ dressed and certain paragraphs fail to reflect the con­ sensus of all parties. In that light, China abstained in the voting on the relevant paragraphs of the resolution. The Ukraine crisis and its spillover effects have had widespread repercussions on the work of the United Nations at all levels. China has always stood for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis. We hope that all parties concerned will create conditions for an early launch of diplomatic negotiations and explore the development of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture on the basis of accommodating each other’s legitimate security concerns so as to make joint efforts for peace and stability on the European continent.

I am taking the floor to explain the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on resolution 77/19, “Cooperation between the United  Nations and the Central European Initiative”. My delegation voted in favour of the resolution in order to preserve its long-standing support of that biennial text and ongoing relations between the United  Nations and the members of the Central European Initiative. Meanwhile, we would like to disassociate ourselves from the sixth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3. We regret that, despite the frequent calls of Member States during the informal meetings, the main sponsors of the resolution were not able to take those demands into account and that non-consensual language is reflected in the final text.