Portugese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa had also backed India and Brazil to be given permanent membership of a reformed Security Council….reports Asian Lite News
Calling for Security Council reforms, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong backed India and Japan to be made permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
During her address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Wong stressed for greater permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
“For UNSC’s contribution to African Union-led operations. Our commitment to peace and security is why Australia seeks a seat in the Security Council for the year 2029-30. And it is why we pursue Security Council reforms. We must ensure greater permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, Asia including permanent seats for India and Japan. And we must demand more of permanent members including constraints on the use of veto,” she said during her address.
Earlier on Wednesday, Portugese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa had also backed India and Brazil to be given permanent membership of a reformed Security Council.
“…The concept of security corresponds to a world that no longer exists. Portugal has defended that countries like Brazil and India become permanent members. This decision should be made. These countries cannot be ignored,” he said during his address at the UNGA session.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during the G20 summit, had also made an endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and said his nation would be “proud” if a country like India became a full member of the UNSC.
“We would be proud if a country like India became a permanent member of the UN Security Council. As you know, the world is bigger and larger than five (permanent members). And when we say the world is larger than five, what we mean is that it’s not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia. We don’t want to have just these five countries on the Security Council,” he said on the concluding day of the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi.
Notably, reforms in the global systems have been an issue continuously raised by India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the global stage.
During his concluding address at the G20 Leaders Summit here in the national capital, PM Modi reiterated his stance of making global systems in accordance with the “realities of the present” and took the example of the United Nations Security Council.
“When the UN was established, the world at that time was completely different from today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200. Despite this, the permanent members in UNSC are still the same,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that a lot has changed in the world since that time, be it transport, communication, health, or education, every sector has been transformed.
“These new realities should be reflected in our new global structure. It is a law of nature that individuals and organizations that fail to adapt to changing times inevitably lose their relevance. We must think with an open mind as to what is the reason that many regional forums have come into existence in the past years, and they are also proving to be effective,” he further said. (ANI)
Jaishankar meets counterparts from Brazil, Bahrain and South Africa
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (local time) held a meeting with counterparts from Brazil, Bahrain and South Africa on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Jaishankar and Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held talks on connectivity, economic linkages and regional dynamics.
In his post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar stated, “So glad to meet Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani this evening. Good conversation on connectivity, economic linkages and regional dynamics.”
Earlier this month, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
EAM Jaishankar also held a meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and South African counterpart Naledi Pandor. He noted that the joint communique showcases the strength of “South-South” solidarity.
Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, “A very productive IBSA meeting with Foreign Ministers Mauro Vieira and Naledi Pandor on #UNGA78 sidelines. The Joint Communique demonstrates the strength of our South-South solidarity.”
Jaishankar held a meeting with the UK Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and United Nations Lord Tariq Ahmad. The two leaders spoke about India-UK ties and discussed developments related to Ukraine.
“Pleased to meet UK MoS @tariqahmadbt in New York today. A useful stock taking of our relationship. Also discussed recent developments pertaining to Ukraine,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Earlier, EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, “Great to catch up with FM @SenatorWong of Australia on #UNGA78 sidelines. Noted the positive trajectory of our ties and discussed specific steps to take them further. Our exchange of regional and global assessments are always valuable.”
Penny Wong noted that Australia and India share an interest in a “stable, secure region” and a world in which agreed rules are “upheld and sovereignty is respected.”
Taking to X, Penny Wong stated, “Constructive meeting with @drsjaishankar discussing regional security, and a range of bilateral issues including economic engagement. Australia and India share an interest in a stable, secure region, and a world in which agreed rules are upheld and sovereignty is respected.”
Earlier in the day, S Jaishankar discussed regional, multilateral and global cooperation with his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa. Both delegates further exchanged views on the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Taking to his social media ‘X’, Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to meet Foreign Minister of Japan Yoko Kamikawa at #UNGA78. Exchanged perspectives on our Special Strategic and Global Partnership Discussed our regional, multilateral and global cooperation and taking them forward.” (ANI)