UAE makes tremendous efforts to contain crises, hot spots : Maytha Shamsi tells CICA

BEIJING, 1st May, 2016 (WAM) - The United Arab Emirates has made tremendous efforts to contain crises and hot spots in many countries of the world and provide much needed humanitarian assistance to refugees in conflict zones through bilateral, regional and international co-operation, Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, told the Fifth Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, CICA. The ministers met in Beijing on 27th and 28th April 2016 to exchange views on major regional and international issues. ''The UAE is committed to core principles endorsed by international law, including our commitment to respect the UN Charter and other international charters and laws, establishing good relations with other countries of the world based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, settling international disputes through dialogue and peaceful means and championing causes of justice and rights as well as contributing effectively to efforts aimed at solidifying pillars of international stability and peace,'' Al Shamsi said while delivering the UAE’s statement before the meeting. Al Shamsi, who led the UAE delegation to the two-day meeting, noted that CICA was being convened at a time when the world was experiencing rapid changes that require us all to strengthen confidence and consolidate pillars of security so as overcome the difficulties which pose real challenges to all states. The conference, she said, is of special significance as it tries to find a common ground for inter-state constructive co-operation with the prime goal of achieving stability, security and development in the region, promote values of tolerance and mutual understanding by resolving disputes through dialogue, confidence-building measures and the attainment of peace. This, she confirmed, will increase regional co-operation in various fields, including counter-terrorism. She said that the UAE’s leadership in humanitarian work and delivery of official development assistance at both regional and international levels had drawn commendation and appreciation from the UN and its humanitarian and relief agencies which support the UAE as a centre for supporting humanitarian causes and directing relief operations to other parts of the world so as to alleviate human suffering and preserve human dignity while moving towards the noble goals of safeguarding international stability, peace and security. On climate change, the minister explained that the UAE backs practical measures, efforts and initiatives being made by the international community to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In this context, she added, the UAE’s contributions and participation include a set of integrated packages regarding measures, laws and legislation, and global investment in renewable energy, as well as support for international efforts to deal with the global phenomenon. Addressing international peace and security, the minister stressed the need for more concerted regional and international co-operation to counter terrorism, piracy, people-trafficking and cross-border crimes. She also reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to international conventions and treaties on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons, the right of states to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to back collective efforts aimed at tackling international challenges in this regard. Concluding her statement, the minister called for CICA participating states to expand economic, trade and investment co-operation and encourage partnerships among themselves. In his opening address on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed the development of the security situation in Asia and the challenges ahead. He also called for win-win cooperation that will benefit the whole of the continent. "We have to stick to dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law, to resolve disputes peacefully. Use dialogue to add trust, solve disputes, and promote security. We need to stick to, and spread the traditions of the Asian way, where countries respect each other, negotiate and care about each other’s interests." Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, praised CICA's role in promoting mutual trust and Asian peace. Wang said that Asian countries are still facing terrorism, poverty, territorial disputes, nuclear proliferation and other issues. He said that China is willing to work with other countries to find solutions. "All sides are committed to abiding by the Charter of the United Nations and the basic principles of international law, as well as the CICA's aims and principles, in pursuit of joint comprehensive cooperation and sustainable security, and commitment to establishing security. That's in the line with the member countries' wishes, on the basis of mutual trust, friendly neighbourhood relations, and mutual cooperation," said Wang. A declaration of the Fifth Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia called for promoting peace, security, stability and sustainable development in Asia through dialogue. "We recognise that Asia and the world are undergoing complex and profound changes and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter and the universally recognised norms and principles of international law, in particular those enshrined in the Declaration on the Principles Guiding Relations Between the CICA Member States and the Almaty Act,'' the Declaration read. "We reaffirm that in a globalised world, security has become an all-encompassing concept and countries in the region are sharing common interests in building a sustainable environment of peace and security. We should seek common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; respect each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and pursue further development and progress based on the common understanding that has been reached so far, and build a security environment that fulfils the expectation of the Member States based on commitment to mutual trust, good neighbourliness and cooperation among Member States. "We express deep concern on the security challenge in Asia and beyond caused by the growing terrorist threat and actions of terrorist organisations, and strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorist acts not only pose serious challenge to countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also constitute threat to regional and international peace, security and stability. ''We reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. We undertake to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and fight, resolutely, on the basis of international law, including the UN Charter, against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, namely suppressing the provision of funds, support, shelter, training and allowing travelling, or provision of equipment to terrorists. We also agree to put in place specific measures and take necessary actions to deny terrorists' access to material resources, to dismantle their sanctuaries and training facilities and to curtail their ability to recruit and train terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters.'' "We also reaffirm our commitment to enhancing cooperation to combat transnational challenges of mutual concern including, among others, organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and cybercrime. "We believe that promotion of economic growth and prosperity and the elimination of poverty, ignorance, and illiteracy, respect for human rights as well as promotion of access to justice, are critical to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and extremism – including, but not limited to, prolonged unresolved conflicts. We stress the need to further conduct regional and sub-regional dialogue, strengthen multilateral cooperation and adopt appropriate measures to promote sustainable development, economic cooperation and the well-being of our people. "We reiterate our shared desire to carry forward cooperation and mutual assistance, to stay committed to respecting religious and cultural diversity throughout the region and conducting inter-cultural and inter-civilisational dialogue and cooperation at national, regional and international levels. Within the framework of international law, all parties have equal rights and duties. "We support various multilateral and national initiatives on dialogue among civilisations that are important instruments to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, to eradicate intolerance and promote peaceful co-existence among people of different religions or cultures." Launched in 1992, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is a forum based on the recognition that there is close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and the rest of the world. CICA has 26 member states and 12 observer states and international organisations. The UAE joined CICA in 2008 and became an active member state. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395294876023.html