WHO's role during pandemic an example of "necessary multilateralism": Venezuelan FM

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Friday that the role that the World Health Organization (WHO) has played during the COVID-19 pandemic is an example of "necessary multilateralism."

Arreaza made these statements during a videoconference with the high-level segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

He said that the WHO "must act and speak faithfully, must not bow to pressure, extortion, or attacks by the powerful, must confirm its moral authority, its scientific capabilities, and cooperation based on solidarity."

"The multilateralism that humanity needs during and after the pandemic must demonstrate solidarity, efficiency, audacity, creativity, and courage," Arreaza said, adding that it must also work to "end conventional and economic wars."

Arreaza said that the UN is at the forefront of an era of human evolution, but it is facing "the arrogance of unilateralism" and countries that live in a state of "conflict and war."

"Venezuela has faced the pandemic in extremely difficult conditions," he said, as the country has been the target of various attacks and unilateral measures imposed by the United States. However, Arreaza said that he believed "the worst has been avoided, despite catastrophic forecasts," thanks to the solidarity and cooperation of friendly countries and the UN.