ISTANBUL
During discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Türkiye’s efforts in mediating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine regarding freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
According to a statement from the UN spokesperson’s office, Guterres, speaking on the last day of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, reaffirmed his stance that Russia’s military actions in Ukraine breach the UN Charter and international law.
He emphasized the UN’s commitment to peace, echoing his remarks from the BRICS summit, and reiterated the need for a “just peace” in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and General Assembly resolutions.
Guterres stressed the critical importance of establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea for Ukraine, Russia, and global food and energy security, expressing strong support for ongoing negotiations and gratitude for Türkiye’s contributions.
In addition to the Black Sea discussions, Guterres and Putin addressed the situation in the Middle East, stressing the urgent need for a cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon and the importance of preventing further regional escalation.
The statement also mentioned that they exchanged views on development and the international financial system.
Guterres arrived in Kazan on Wednesday for the BRICS summit, facing criticism from Kyiv over his absence at the Ukraine peace summit held in Switzerland in June. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned this absence, stating, “This is a wrong choice that does not advance the cause of peace and only damages the UN’s reputation.”
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