COVID-19: UAE highlights importance of international cooperation

The UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva has said Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries understand the key challenges posed by the pandemic.

Obaid Salem Saeed Al Zaabi was delivering a statement on development during a session of the 45th UN Human Rights Council on behalf of GCC member states.

During the session, he stressed that they realise the importance of urgently reinforcing international cooperation to face the issues caused by the pandemic.

He highlighted the significance of drafting a strategy promoting global collaboration to achieve sustainable development and reduce the serious economic damage caused by COVID-19.

Al Zaabi noted that GCC countries welcome the invitation of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to enhance multilateral efforts to overcome the consequences and assist developing countries.

He added that the regional bloc is prioritising international cooperation by supporting affected nations and financially contributing to the efforts of relevant international bodies, including the World Health Organization.

The UAE Permanent Representative also said GCC countries are among the first to implement the World Bank’s human capital project, which aims to invest in people, especially in the areas of education and health.