Attaf Initiates UN General Assembly Engagement with Arab League Meeting
Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is representing Algeria at the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a participation decided by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to affirm Algeria's commitment to multilateral diplomacy. Minister Attaf initiated his agenda with a significant meeting with Nabil Fahmy, the Secretary-General of the Arab League. This initial engagement focused on a wide array of key issues, including events on the Arab League's agenda, the regional situation, and developments in the Middle East, particularly concerning the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizing the need to intensify support for the Palestinian cause within the UN framework. Discussions also highlighted Algeria's role in the reform and development of Arab League mechanisms to effectively address challenges facing the Arab nation.
Following this, Minister Attaf held discussions with Taher Salem Al-Baour, Charge d'Affaires of the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressing recent developments in Libya and efforts to advance the political process towards establishing security and stability. Attaf reiterated Algeria's unwavering stance supporting Libya's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, advocating for a comprehensive political settlement led by Libyans. The officials also committed to enhancing consultation, coordination, and joint efforts to tackle shared challenges in the Sahel-Saharan region, aiming to strengthen peace and stability. Furthering Algeria's diplomatic outreach, Attaf met with Ugandan Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare to explore avenues for promoting and diversifying bilateral cooperation across priority areas, in preparation for the Non-Aligned Movement ministerial summit in Kampala.
Minister Attaf also engaged with Mohamed Rahman Swaray, his counterpart from Sierra Leone, discussing bilateral relations and strengthening consultation on regional and international matters, noting the successful coordination between their countries as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council through the "A3" mechanism. Attaf extended congratulations to Sierra Leone for its valuable contributions as chair of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government of the African Union on UN Security Council reform. In the humanitarian sphere, Attaf met with Carl Skau, interim Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), to discuss reinforcing cooperation to address humanitarian needs and support vulnerable populations, particularly regarding challenges faced by WFP in Gaza and ensuring continued necessary support for Sahrawi refugees.
Additionally, Minister Attaf received Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Their discussions centered on deepening bilateral cooperation to promote adherence to international humanitarian law. The meeting also covered the implications of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the application of international humanitarian law in naval conflicts. Preparations for an upcoming international high-level conference in Jordan in December, dedicated to "Preserving Humanity in War," were also discussed. This conference is part of a global initiative where Algeria, alongside Slovenia, Sierra Leone, and Costa Rica, co-chairs a working group focused on the protection of civilian facilities.
