By Abbas Mimouni
ALGIERS Algeria (AA) — Algeria assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2025 on Wednesday, kicking off its second year as a non-permanent member of the council for the 2024-2025 term.
During the current period, Algeria has pledged to continue highlighting the Palestinian cause, as well as other important Arab and African issues.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf confirmed that during its presidency, Algeria would raise three key topics for discussion, as permitted by its role during the rotating presidency.
During a press briefing on Monday, Attaf said his nation would set up a ministerial meeting within the Security Council to specifically discuss the Palestinian situation and more general Middle Eastern issues.
He also reaffirmed that Algeria's diplomatic mission to the UN prioritizes the Palestinian cause, highlighting the nation's efforts to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and full Palestinian membership in the UN.
Additionally, Attaf noted that Algeria would hold a ministerial meeting on counterterrorism in Africa, recognizing it as the most significant threat to security and stability across the continent.
Algeria will also propose a third agenda item focused on enhancing cooperation between the Arab League and the UN.
The official Algerian news agency reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to attend the special meeting on Palestine at the Security Council later this month.
The agency also mentioned that under Algeria’s leadership, the Council will hold discussions on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria and another meeting concerning Yemen.
Algeria was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2024-2025, representing the Arab, African, and Islamic groups, and has reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of Arab and African peoples during its tenure.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio