U.S President, Joe Biden has addressed heads of state gathered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
It was Biden’s final address to the global body as President.
Starting his address, Biden made a familiar joke about his age.
“I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history. I was first elected to office … in 1972. Now, I know I look like I’m only 40. I know that,” the President said, drawing laughs.
Biden then talked about how he has seen the country change over his decades in Washington, and how enemies have become allies.
He cited the relationship between the United States and Vietnam, which were at war when he took office, but are now friends.
“Last year in Hanoi, I … met with the Vietnamese leadership. We elevated our partnership to the highest level. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today, the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends, and it’s proof that even from the horrors of war, there’s a way forward. Things can get better.”
Joe Biden
Biden went on to address Ukraine and its defense against the Russian invasion.
“The good news is Putin’s war has failed at his core aim,” Biden said.
“He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free. He set out the weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, more united than ever before, with two new members, Finland and Sweden, but we cannot let up.”
Joe Biden
“The world now has another choice to make,” he said.
“Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war, to preserve its freedom, or walk away and let aggression be renewed and a nation be destroyed,” he added
“I know my answer. We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away, and we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace in the UN Charter.”
Joe Biden
Biden then shifted to the Middle East, where he called for a ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza and the release of hostages taken in the October 7 attack.
“Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home and … ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war,” Biden said.
He spoke about the escalating hostilities in the Middle East, decrying Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and calling for diplomacy.
“Since October 7, we’ve also been determined to prevent a wider war than engulfs the entire region. Hezbollah, unprovoked during the October 7 attack, launching rockets in Israel almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced.
“Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest. Even if the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible. In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes and the border safely. And that’s … what we’re working tirelessly to achieve.”
Joe Biden
Biden also commented briefly on the civil war in Sudan.
Biden Reflects On Decision To Not Seek Re-election
As he wrapped up his address, the U.S President reflected on his decision not to seek a second term in office.
He called it a “difficult” choice because there is more he wanted to do.
“As much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward,” Biden said.
“My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. It’s your people,” the U.S President said to applause.
He added, “It’s your people that matter the most.”
READ ALSO: Sulemana Braimah Commends Ghana Police in Handling Recent Demonstrations
