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'Some things are more important than ...': What US prez Biden said in final address to UNGA

'Some things are more important than ...': What US prez Biden said in final address to UNGA

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Sep 24, 2024, 20:35 IST

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In his final UNGA address, President Joe Biden defended withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and emphasized continued support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. He highlighted NATO's resilience and unity under his leadership. Concluding with a nod to re-election, he stressed prioritizing people's welfare over political power.

'Some things are more important than ...': What US prez Biden said in final address to UNGA

NEW DELHI: US President Joe Biden on Tuesday made his final appearance at the UNGA, possibly delivering one of his last speeches on the world stage.
President Biden's speech covered several key themes that have defined his foreign policy throughout his administration, including rallying global support for Ukraine, navigating international competition, and the importance of upholding the UN Charter.
Here is what Biden said during his address

The US president kicked off his address by defending his administration's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and said, “It was a hard decision, but the right decision. Four American presidents had faced that, but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth. I entered office determined to rebuild my country’s Alliance and partnerships to a level not previously seen.”
The 81-year-old Biden pointed on his political career, which began during the Cold War and rising tensions in the Middle East. Intended for the domestic audience ahead of presidential election, Biden said, "Our country was divided and angry, there were questions about our staying power and our future, but even then not out of despair, but out of optimism, United States and the world got through that moment,” he said, referring to his earliest days in politics."
Biden also vowed to continue to support Ukraine amid its ongoing war against Russia and said that Russian President Putin's bid destroy Ukraine and Nato has failed. "He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free. He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, more united than ever before.” Biden said.
He ended his address on his decision to opt re-election and said, “My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. It’s your people,” he said.
The US president also addressed the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and said Israel has the right to defend itself. “Any country, any country, would have the right responsibility to ensure that such an attack could never happen again,” Biden said, referring to the October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
Biden also added that innocent civilians in Gaza are also "going through hell." Biden said, "Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowded in a tent, facing a dire situation. They didn’t ask for this war.” Biden also said he’s “determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region”, and called on Israel and Hamas to a accept a ceasefire deal introduced by the United States in May.

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