Foreign Affairs Secretary of State Luca Beccari addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, currently underway in New York. His speech, delivered on Saturday, September 26, focused on the role of international cooperation amid ongoing conflicts, alongside San Marino’s path toward closer ties with the European Union.
Beccari recalled the signing of the Association Agreement, scheduled for October 19. According to the Secretariat of State, the agreement “represents a historic milestone for the country,” as it will strengthen cooperation and European integration “in full respect of the Republic’s sovereignty, identity and institutional specificities.”
The secretary then turned his attention to the United Nations and the resilience of international rules. “Eighty-one years ago, the United Nations was founded to protect future generations from war. Today, however, conflicts are increasing, inequalities are growing, climate change is accelerating, and respect for international rules is being tested more than ever. In this context, the answer cannot be less multilateralism, but a greater commitment to international cooperation and the rule of law,” he stated.
“And it must be effective multilateralism: a multilateralism that protects both the weak and the strong; a multilateralism that applies the law fairly; and a multilateralism that gives every state, large or small, a meaningful voice.”
Within this framework, San Marino reaffirmed its support for reforming the Security Council, for the UN80 initiative, and for limiting the use of the veto. Beccari also underscored the role of the International Court of Justice and the principle of respect for state sovereignty.
Part of his address was devoted to the Middle East. “Regarding the situation in the Middle East, San Marino unreservedly condemns terrorism and the attacks of October 7, 2023, and reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to their own state. We call for a permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, while confirming our recognition of Palestine and our support for the two-state solution, as well as respect for international law and the pursuit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” the secretary said.
On the war in Ukraine, Beccari reiterated San Marino’s condemnation of Russian aggression and highlighted the conflict’s impact on the civilian population. “We reaffirm our call for a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, paving the way for a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
His speech also touched on the situation in Afghanistan, with a call to fully restore the rights of women and girls, on the protection of children in armed conflicts, and on concerns over the resurgence of nuclear threats. Beccari further linked peace and security to the goals of the 2030 Agenda, calling for concrete action and adequate funding. He also mentioned the climate crisis, food security, and the need for regulation of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
“San Marino will continue to defend the United Nations Charter, international law, human rights and multilateralism. At a time when the world is tempted by division, we must choose cooperation. When might challenges the rule of law, we must stand firm in its defense. And when despair grows, we must choose peace. San Marino will do its part. Together, we must ensure that the United Nations remains what it was created to be: a shield for the vulnerable, a forum for dialogue, and a guarantor of peace, dignity and international law,” Beccari concluded.
