Your Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands,
Your Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Mr. Ronny Abraham, President of the International Court of Justice,
Your Excellency Mr. Albert Gerard Koenders, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands,
Your Excellency Mr. Antonio Gumende, Vice-President of the United Nations
General Assembly,
Honorable Judges of the International Court of Justice,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honor to address this Solemn Sitting in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the International Court of Justice as President of the Security Council for the month of April. On behalf of the Council, I warmly congratulate the Court on this momentous occasion. This is not only a commemoration event, but also an important stock-taking and forward-looking opportunity to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

The Court, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, was established to achieve a major purpose of the United Nations, namely, "to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace". The Court in its 70 years journey has stood the test of times, as evidenced by over 120 judgments and nearly 30 advisory opinions on a wide range of important issues, thereby contributing to the peaceful settlement of disputes between states, and easing situations that might have otherwise escalated. The Court has continuously contributed to the development and authority of international law and the international rule of law. It has played an indispensable role in safeguarding the purposes and principles of the Charter.

The success of the Court would not have been possible without those dedicated to its cause. The unique election procedures for the Judges reflect the high expectations the international community has placed on them. We commend the judges for their wisdom and diligence in discharging their lofty mission, for their high moral character and outstanding qualifications, and for their representation of diverse civilizations and principal legal systems of the world.

The Court and the Security Council are shoulder to shoulder in the common mission set out in the purposes and principles of the Charter. The Council welcomes the role of the Court in addressing issues entrusted to it and providing advisory opinions at the Council's request. The Council takes most seriously its functions in relation to the Court, be it the election of Judges or other responsibilities. It stands ready to continue to provide its support to the Court.

Mr. President,

The world is undergoing fast and far-reaching changes. Never before have countries been so interdependent and bound by common destiny. Never before has the international community faced such common opportunities and challenges. The trend toward multi-polarity, the rise of emerging markets and developing countries, the deepening globalization and the advent of the information age set the context of today's world.

It is imperative that we renew our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter. We should firmly commit ourselves to multilateralism, seeking collective solutions to common problems. We should increase inter-civilization exchanges to promote harmony, inclusiveness and respect for diversity. We should work for a security architecture featuring fairness, justice, joint contribution and shared benefits. We should promote open, innovative, inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all. In essence, we should strive to foster international relations of win-win cooperation and a community of a shared future for us all.

Against this background, the Court stands at a new historical starting point. The international community places high hopes in the Court. The Council expects the Court, as a key guardian of the international legal order, to keep abreast of the times and continue to contribute to the lofty goals of the United Nations. The Council, in discharging its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, will remain committed to safeguarding the authority and effectiveness of the international rule of law and will, as always, support the Court in fulfilling its responsibilities.

"A thousand miles journey starts with the first step". Let us work together for a world of lasting peace, common prosperity, fairness and justice.

Thank you.