UNITED NATIONS, Jul 24 (APP): The United Nations Security Council Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, and urges the UN Secretary-General to continue to use mediation to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner,” a Council’s presidential statement said at the end of a debate on promoting cooperation between the UN and OIC, convened by Pakistan.
The presidential statement, which was adopted by consensus, was read out by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who presided over the Security Council meeting on Pakistan’s signature event.
The Statement said:
“The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security and in this regard, the Security Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security.
“The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations.
“The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Khalid Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary- General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Yousef M. Al Dobeay.
“The Security Council takes note of the 16th biennial general meeting of the organizations and agencies of the United Nations system and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its subsidiary organs and specialized and affiliated institutions, held in Astana from 22 to 24 July 2024 to review and appraise the level of cooperation between the two organizations and acknowledges the value of further strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest.
“The Security Council notes that the United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation work in promoting and facilitating the resolution of conflicts, and stressed the need for this work to be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Chapter VI. The Security Council notes the interest of utilizing the existing and potential capabilities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in this regard, including through encouraging its member countries to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, reconciliation, consultation, negotiation, good offices, mediation, and judicial settlement of disputes.
“The Security Council recognizes the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in that regard, as appropriate.
“The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which have been undertaken in coordination with the United Nations, in strengthening its role in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, and stresses the need for this work to be consistent with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions of the Council.
“The Security Council recognizes the importance of interaction and cooperation, where appropriate, between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in support of nationally owned and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.
“The Council commends the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
“The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner.
“The Security Council notes that sharing of information and analysis between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is relevant for advancing their shared concerns on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and encourages exploring further cooperation in this area.
“The Security Council commends the commitment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to building its capacity in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, mediation and preventive diplomacy.
“The Security Council recognizes the relevance of enhancing cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security and expresses its intention to hold regular Briefings of the Security Council, as appropriate, in this regard.
“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”