By Hani Al-Bahrani
KUWAIT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- The overwhelming 188 'yay' votes that Kuwait clinched for the non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council has sent a very strong and positive message of its global stature, said a senior UN official Tuesday.
"I came to express my appreciation for the very constructive role Kuwait is playing as a member of the United Nations, which was exceptionally expressed through Kuwait's bid to join the Security Council.
"Electing Kuwait with such majority of votes is a clear sign of its constructive role within the UN system," said President of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak.
His remarks came during an exclusive interview with Kuwait TV and Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Kuwait joined the Council during 'uneasy and challenging' times and I expect that Kuwait will bring its experience, wisdom and constructive approach to solving regional issues," he noted. On Kuwait's UN-bestowed status as a 'Center for Humanitarian Action', as well as His Highness the Amir's Kuwait Vision 2035, and how would both contribute in achieving the country's developmental goals, Lajcak said that in a conflict-ridden world, Kuwait's role as a "champion" of humanitarian action is much needed and appreciated.
"Also we appreciate Kuwait's role as a generous provider for humanitarian assistance, as well as its pursue to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. It is a 'win-win' partnership between the UN and Kuwait, where it is beneficial for both sides." On the upcoming conference on reconstruction in parts of Iraq devastated by the war against the so-called Islamic State; to be hosted by Kuwait next February, he said "this conference is very important, as it brings together the governments, as well as the business sector and civil society with the aim to help generate resources to restore and bring Iraq and Iraqis back to normal life. We are very appreciative to Kuwait to have taken this initiative upon itself." Lajcak is currently in a tour to the region, as he was in the UAE yesterday; concluding a visit to Kuwait later tonight before heading to Qatar.
Earlier today, he was received by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, where, among other issues, preparations for the Global Compact for Migration, were addressed.
Negotiations on the Compact are due to begin in February, and an agreement must be in place in July so that it will be adopted in December. (end) hb