Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivers the speech at the UN General Assembly. WAM

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has underlined the central importance of starting "the new decade by protecting the future of our region and the world ... and continue to fight terrorist groups and extremist ideologies."

Sheikh Abdullah made the statements on Saturday while delivering the UAE's statement before the now-running General Debate of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivers the speech at the UN General Assembly. WAM

"We have an opportunity to achieve sustainable solutions that serve the interest of the region through the political initiative supported by the international community, by focusing on the following four areas: Strengthening the implementation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations; Enabling regional organisations to play a greater role in addressing regional tensions and achieving security and stability; Enhancing the effectiveness of political action to ease tensions and resolve crises in order to fulfill peoples’ legitimate aspirations; and finally focusing on development and investment to achieve prosperity," he added.

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UN praises UAE

The UAE's top diplomat praised Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. "With this major step, the UAE is entering a new era in which it contributes alongside other countries in investing in space science and building a new generation in a world based on science, technology and enlightenment."

WAM