During the conversation, the new Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva Václav Bálek highlighted the importance that the Czech diplomacy attaches to multilateralism. He mentioned the current Czech membership in the UN Human Rights Council and his intention to build on activities in the area of development and humanitarian cooperation, as well as in the security agenda. Ambassador Bálek expressed his interest in further cooperation with the UN Office on concrete projects, including cultural events.

The Director-General Tatiana Valovaya acknowledged the professional career of Ambassador Bálek, his experience with disarmament and humanitarian agenda which is important in the Geneva context. She further focused on challenges posed to the UN functioning during the pandemic and lessons learned for the future.