Albania and the United States of America gathered member countries of the Security Council and well-known international experts to discuss cyber security.

Speaking about the challenges that cyber security has brought, Minister Xhaçka, who co-directed the meeting with the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized that the Internet and technology are not and should not be used as weapons, but that they should remain tools for the common good.

“It is up to us to determine the path that technology should take. By identifying and condemning behavior contrary to state legal norms and encouraging positive action to improve the security and stability of cyberspace, the Security Council can reduce the risk of conflict arising from malicious actions. Albania reiterates its position in favor of a global cyber space, open, free, stable and safe, where international laws, human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, for the benefit of social, political and economic development”, said the Albanian chief diplomat.

US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that international cyber security remains a global priority, as she underlined that the Security Council must take a leading role in raising awareness, punishing and holding accountable actors for malicious activities cyber.

“It is time to turn goodwill into concrete actions. We look forward to working with all member states to realize our shared goal of an open, secure and sustainable cyberspace that benefits us all,” she stated.

The Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of UNODA, Izumi Nakamitsu, stated that the principle of accountability is essential to address concerns over trust and distrust in cyberspace.

“The main task for member states is to consider how to implement the norms of responsible state behavior so that they become operational,” she added.

The ‘Arria Formula’ meeting on the theme “The responsibility and responsiveness of States to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure” was co-organized by Albania and the United States.

The meeting dealt with cyber security, as a key issue in the Security Council’s responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.