Amanda Yap
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, September 26, 2014
BRUNEI stands united with the international community in combating terrorism in all its forms and rejects extremism, and supports all regional and international efforts in countering terrorism, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said yesterday.
His Majesty was speaking at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly General Debate Session at the UN Headquarters Building in New York.
In his titah at the UN General Assembly, His Majesty said that Brunei has participated in UN peacekeeping, specifically UNIFIL, and other international peace monitoring missions in southern Philippines.
“We are gravely concerned with security developments in many parts of the world where further escalation of conflicts can weaken the international community’s resolve and ability to achieve our world-wide initiatives.
“Whilst there is relative peace and stability in the world, developments over the past year have reminded us how complex security issues, turmoil and instability arising from human activities can hinder progress for long-term development,” the monarch said.
Therefore, His Majesty said, Brunei would continue to participate in global initiatives such as interfaith dialogues and dialogues amongst civilisations to promote understanding, tolerance and respect amongst world communities.
His Majesty urged nations to “take concerted action in resolving the wide-ranging problems further aggravated by the rapid pace of globalisation and inter-connectedness”.
“The overall outlook is further complicated by challenges that are global in nature such as the impact of climate change, extremism, and terrorism, as well as the serious repercussions of pandemic diseases,” His Majesty said.
In this regard, the monarch was pleased at the unanimous agreement on the importance of environmental protection, lauding the convening of the UN Climate Summit in galvanising support to address the impact of climate change, and in ensuring a dynamic and transformative post-2015 development agenda.
His Majesty also underscored the importance of strengthening UN capabilities in disaster management, taking into account the frequent recurrence and greater intensity of natural disasters in recent years.
The monarch made mention of Brunei’s role in hosting a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise amongst military personnel from Asia Pacific nations last year – the first of its kind under the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus process.
His Majesty emphasised that the fundamental principle of mutual respect and trust – putting aside differences, upholding the rule of law and justice, and promoting cooperation – should serve as the basis for resolving conflicts, so that all can enjoy continued peace and stability.
In his titah, His Majesty also highlighted the fast-approaching targeted timeline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), saying that Brunei was pleased to see the concerted global commitment and consensus to eradicate extreme poverty and further promote peace and sustainable development.
His Majesty welcomed the development agenda and its emphasis on the importance of human development which is inclusive, people-centred and sustainable.
“These elements are also integral to Brunei Darussalam’s National Vision 2035 which is dedicated to improving the welfare of our people and ensuring a high quality of life,” the monarch said.
However, His Majesty also stated that all efforts to realise the MDGs would be in vain, if at the same time, the world disregarded commitments to pursue peaceful means of settling disputes, as enshrined in the UN’s Charter.
“The potential escalation of disputes and threats to international peace and security has resulted in appalling human tragedies such as the downing of Flight MH17 and the current dire situation in Gaza,” the sovereign said.
On Palestine, His Majesty stressed that freedom and justice was long overdue.
“The endless suffering experienced by our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a stark example of how little our development goals mean if there is no peace and stability.
“(The Palestinian people) must be granted their basic rights to live in dignity and enjoy economic development,” he said, further expressing appreciation on the efforts of other countries which made the current ceasefire possible.
However, His Majesty was hopeful and confident that the UN’s adoption of the MDGs would ensure that generations to come would enjoy a secure and prosperous future.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
Also accompanying His Majesty were Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Haji Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, and Permanent Representative of Brunei to the United Nations Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Ghafar Hj Ismail.
The Brunei Times
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