UNITED NATIONS, Sept 25 (NNN-KPL) – Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Saleumxay Kommasith, yesterday, called for practical solutions to today’s global problems, through multilateralism, at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.
The international community is facing multi-faceted challenges, including armed conflicts, environmental crises, economic downturns. These challenges, already exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have hindered and reversed the development gains attained in past decades, he said, adding that, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals has never been so tarnished, he said.
Always at the heart of international cooperation, multilateralism has been undermined, while unilateralism has been applied widely, he noted.
The most vulnerable countries are now suffering the most. They endured the most difficult period, coping with COVID-19 impacts, are additionally confronting climate, food and energy crises, he said.
It is imperative than ever, for the international community to find transformative, effective and more practical solutions, to make sure the most vulnerable not left behind, said Saleumxay.
It is necessary that the United Nations be revitalised and increase its ability to effectively address global problems, he noted.
Unilateral sanctions or restrictive measures cannot be effective, as they contravene the principles of the UN Charter and international law, hampering the development of other countries, he said.
Laos once again joins an overwhelming global call for the lifting of the economic embargo on Cuba and putting an end to all unilateral coercive measures, he said.
Laos remains hopeful and firmly believes that through multilateralism with the United Nations as a lead institution, the multiple crises and challenges can be appropriately addressed. Laos is strongly committed to supporting conflict resolution through peaceful means, he said.
It is hoped that the 77th session of the General Assembly will offer opportunities to enhance solidarity and revive sustainable development paths, in order to ensure transformative solutions for better livelihoods of the peoples of the world and the planet, he said.
