MANUEL JOSÉ GONÇALVES, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, underscored the urgency in strengthening international cooperation to jointly face challenges and build a promising future.  Expressing concern over the “tenuous” progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, he urged to mobilize resources for its financing as well as to reinforce mutually beneficial cooperation to respond to the threat of terrorism, poverty, conflicts and climate change.  Turning to the reform of the Security Council, he joined the voices advocating for a permanent seat for Africa, thereby correcting the historical injustice.  Commending the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023), he voiced hope that it will promote greater ownership of peace initiatives and ensure adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for the peace operations of the African Union.

Pointing out the “worrying” escalations of global conflicts, he said that safest path to end the war in Ukraine is to ensure dialogue between the parties.  He called for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians in the Middle East and underscored the importance of dialogue to restore peace and stability in Sudan.  “Unilateralism is contrary to the multilateralism of the UN Charter,” he said, reiterating a call for the total lifting of unilateral cohesive measures imposed on Zimbabwe and Cuba.

Highlighting his country’s contribution to world peace and security as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, he underscored the efforts to combat terrorism undertaken by the Government of Mozambique.  He voiced gratitude to the bilateral and multilateral partners who supported his country in the process of restoring peace and tranquillity to the victims as well as in the reconstruction of economic and social infrastructure in the terrorist-affected areas.