F.P. Report
NEW YORK: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken convened on Wednesday with Foreign Ministers of the People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom in their capacity as permanent members (P5) of the United Nations Security Council. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of constructive P5 action to maintain international peace and security.
On Afghanistan, the Secretary called for P5 coordination to mitigate the emerging humanitarian crisis and prevent an economic collapse. He noted the shared expectations for an inclusive and representative government. The Secretary encouraged the P5 to remain united on Afghanistan, to hold the Taliban accountable to its commitments, and to work together to ensure humanitarian access, respect for humanitarian principles, and availability of funds to meet humanitarian needs.
On Iran, the Secretary reiterated the United States’ intent to pursue a path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA and to address our full range of concerns with Iran.
Also, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made proposals on reforming the work of the UN Security Council.
The Chinese minister noted that, firstly, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council must fulfill their responsibilities to keep the peace. He called for the use of mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and noted the inadmissibility of the use of military force unless absolutely necessary.
He also believes that the “five” of the UN Security Council must adhere to the principle of multilateralism. Wang Yi drew attention to the words of US President Joe Biden about the end of the era of wars, as well as the unwillingness of the States to participate more in this.
“Now the main thing – to realize this aspiration into practice,” – the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Also, members of the UN Security Council can play an important role in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, help in the fight against new global challenges, Wang Yi is sure.
