At the Security Council, the Democratic Republic of the Congo called for strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, grounded in the Charter, respect for the sovereignty of States, complementarity of action, and sustained support for African peace and security initiatives. In conclusion, the DRC reaffirmed that this partnership can only be fully useful to international peace if it remains aligned with the priorities of the States concerned.
Below is the full statement delivered by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay.
Mr. President,
Cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union for the maintenance of international peace and security is a matter of particular interest to my delegation. In this regard, we thank Bahrain for organizing this meeting.
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this meeting forms part of the momentum generated by the Council’s recent discussions on partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations, discussions which have highlighted the growing role of such organizations in the prevention, management, and resolution of contemporary crises.
My country welcomes the presence of Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General [for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and the Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations], and of Her Excellency Ms. Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and thanks them for their briefings.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches particular importance to strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.
For my country, this framework is not merely a legal reference; it is the foundation of effective multilateralism, grounded in complementarity of action and closeness to realities on the ground.
The growing complexity of contemporary crises makes cooperation based on coherence, predictability, and complementarity more necessary than ever. In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recognizes the substantial contribution of the European Union to United Nations action at the political, financial, humanitarian, and operational levels.
My country’s experience bears witness to this. Operations Artemis and EUFOR RD Congo, mandated by this Council, demonstrated that targeted regional action, supported by a clear mandate, can usefully support United Nations efforts and respond swiftly to crisis situations.
These precedents illustrate the role that the European Union can play as a credible operational partner, including in support of stabilization efforts on the African continent.
However, the value of such cooperation cannot be assessed solely on the basis of contributions. It must also be measured by its ability to support durable political solutions, prevent crises, and strengthen national capacities.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo considers that this cooperation should be structured around a number of essential requirements.
First, it must remain fully anchored in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of States.
Second, it must preserve the centrality of the United Nations and the Security Council, while promoting complementary regional action consistent with international law.
Third, it must give priority to political approaches, conflict prevention, and the strengthening of national capacities, in keeping with the principle of national ownership.
Any reflection on this partnership must also fully take into account the realities of the African continent.
In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the importance of strengthened coordination among the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union. More coherent cooperation among these three levels would improve the effectiveness of the collective response, particularly in support of African peace and security initiatives.
Such support must be framed within a balanced, predictable, and sustainable partnership, including with regard to the financing of African Union-led peace support operations.
Mr. President,
In an international context marked by heightened tensions, cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union must continue to be guided by the search for useful convergences.
It must help defuse crises, foster dialogue, and strengthen effective multilateralism, based on an objective reading of realities and respect for mandates. It is in this spirit that the Democratic Republic of the Congo encourages the further strengthening of this strategic partnership.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms that cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union constitutes a useful lever for international peace and security, provided that it remains grounded in the Charter, complementarity of action, and respect for the priorities of the States concerned.
I thank you.