UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged the international community to step up cooperation to tackle security challenges in the Mediterranean region.
"The Mediterranean is a global junction of mutually enriching cultures, societies and economies. Yet violence and hatred are threatening that dynamism, to the detriment of the entire world," Guterres told a meeting of the UN Security Council chaired by Angelino Alfano, the foreign minister of Italy, which holds the 15-member body's presidency this month.
Challenges facing the region include illicit trade in narcotics, weapons and petroleum products, large movements of refugees and migrants, regrettably managed by human smugglers and traffickers, and maritime piracy.
"The Mediterranean Sea provides immense economic resources, such as hydrocarbons and fish stocks, and invaluable trade routes. However, its benefits depend on stability and cooperation," Guterres stressed.
The UN chief went on to highlight difficulties in various parts of the region.
Libya's stability is vital for the region, but after years of a prolonged transition, the country's institutions are deeply divided.
Instability in the Sahel region has contributed to an increase in irregular migration towards Europe.
Egypt continues to face several security challenges, including irregular migration, cross-border transit of weapons and fighters along its desert borders with Libya, Sudan and in the Sinai Peninsula bordering the Gaza Strip. (Xinhua)