UN highlights importance of BRICS Summit in Kazan, defends Guterres' attendance amid criticism

The UN has declared the BRICS summit in Kazan a significant international meeting, underscoring that the efforts of its participants are crucial for the organization.

This was conveyed by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a briefing about UN Secretary-General António Guterres' attendance at the summit, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“I have already explained for several days why he considered it important to attend the BRICS summit. This is one of the most significant gatherings, involving a large number of participating countries whose contributions are vital to the organization’s work,” Haq stated.

Haq also addressed criticism from Western nations regarding Guterres' presence at the summit, his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and their discussions about the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized that the UN views engagement with Russia’s leadership as beneficial for progress towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine. “Any contact contributes to moving forward on this issue. That is what we aim to achieve,” he noted, adding that he had no specific updates on the outcomes of the Putin-Guterres meeting related to Ukraine.

Regarding claims that Kyiv has rejected Guterres' potential visit to Ukraine following the BRICS summit, Haq stated, “I have no confirmation of this.” He explained that the UN has been in contact with Ukrainian officials to arrange mutually acceptable dates for such a visit.

Haq mentioned that Guterres had discussed the idea of visiting Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky last month. “We are working to determine mutually acceptable dates for this visit,” he added.

Earlier reports in Ukrainian media, citing sources in Zelenskyy's office, indicated that Kyiv had declined to facilitate Guterres' visit after his attendance at the BRICS summit.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis sharply criticized Guterres for his trip to Kazan, highlighting that he had not attended a “peace summit” organized by Ukraine in Switzerland but chose to attend the BRICS summit instead. “Guterres must acknowledge his mistake for not attending the Ukrainian peace summit in Switzerland while meeting with Putin and Lukashenko,” he remarked.

Guterres attended the BRICS summit in Kazan, where he participated in the plenary session and met with President Putin on October 24, coinciding with UN Day.

By Tamilla Hasanova