At Jordan’s initiative, UN member states voice solidarity with New York City amid pandemic

By JT - Apr 29,2020 - Last updated at Apr 29,2020

New York City, the financial, cultural and tourism capital of the United States, has been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, witnessing more than 162,000 total infections and over 12,000 deaths as of Wednesday (AFP photo)

AMMAN — At Jordan’s initiative, 167 United Nations member states and observer entities have issued a Statement of Solidarity with The City of New York, host of the UN headquarters since 1946.

The statement of solidarity “expressed appreciation for the people of New York, its leadership, healthcare workers, police, firefighters and brave essential workers for their efforts to combat COVID-19 and for putting their lives at risk every day, to save our own”.

“Without their dedication and courage, this time of uncertainty would have been far more difficult,” read the statement.

The statement, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in line with the spirit of solidarity that His Majesty King Abdullah has asserted through the Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, received overwhelming support from member states and observers of the UN General Assembly, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

It expressed “profound gratitude” to the City of New York as it stands as “our collective voice for peace, prosperity and solidarity”.

This initiative, which has been supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also affirmed that “COVID-19 stands as undeniable evidence that now, more than ever, we must work together to overcome the challenges we face”.

The statement recalled that the “firm belief” in collective action and global solidarity is at the forefront of the reasons why the nations of the world have joined the United Nations. It asserted the importance of multilateral work that the UN stands for.

Member states expressed their condolences to the City of New York and its people for the loss of thousands of lives due to the COVID-19 virus, stressing that the city “will triumph over this challenge and emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient and that the thriving, vibrant life of New York will return”.

The statement reiterated the commitment of the representatives of the member states of the United Nations to stand by the city and work collectively to defeat this unconventional enemy.

At the request of Jordan, and on behalf of the member states and permanent observers signatories to the initiative, the UN Secretary General will issue the statement as an official document of the UN General Assembly.

New York City has been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, with over 162,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths as of Wednesday.