The main topic of the meeting was the Russian aggression in Ukraine, more specifically the Black Sea Grain Initiative that was signed last year under the leadership of the UN and has significantly contributed to limiting the impact of the global food crisis. It expires on the 18^th of March 2023, with a possible extension currently under negotiation.

“Czechia supports the expansion and prolongation of this Initiative. It serves as proof that the United Nations remains an irreplaceable actor even in these times,” said Lipavský. The minister and the SG also discussed the situation in Sahel and the recent humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

Ministr Lipavsky also met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, with whom he discussed the proposed peace plan and the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Crimes of Aggression. “We talked about very specific things, we also mentioned the interest of the president-elect Petr Pavel of visiting Ukraine. This idea was welcomed very positively but we of course have to wait for the inauguration,” minister explained.

After the vote on the resolution calling on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine, which the General Assembly adopted by an overwhelming majority, Minister Lipavsky had one last bilateral meeting with Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo.