The summit of the BRICS group of countries was held in the Russian city of Kazan on Thursday.
The top UN official said in a message on social media platform X on Friday that he stressed the illegality of the attack in a meeting with the Russian leader.
“I reiterated what I said at the summit.”
The ‘BRICS’ grouping was established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, and South Africa joined in 2010.
Since then, other countries have joined the group, which together represent nearly half of the world’s population.
The top UN official, speaking at the meeting on Thursday, emphasized the importance of peace in Ukraine – a just peace in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.
He stressed that the values of the UN Charter, the rule of law as well as sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of countries must be paramount.
In a meeting with the President of Russia, the UN Secretary General expressed support for an agreement aimed at safe navigation in the Black Sea, which is vital for global food security.
Giving the information, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson said that the Black Sea route is necessary for the food and energy security of Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the world.
In view of this, Secretary-General Guterres supported the continuation of discussions on this issue and appreciated Turkey’s efforts.
Since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military in February 2022, transportation of grain and other agricultural products and fertilizers through the Black Sea from Ukraine and other ports has been disrupted, raising food security risks and driving up prices.
As a result of the efforts of the UN and Turkey, the ‘Black Sea Grain Initiative’ was agreed. In addition, an agreement was also reached between Russia and the United Nations, which was important for the continuation of trade in important goods.
The initiative was also extended twice, but then it expired on July 17, 2023, due to which trade routes were affected.
Although the International Criminal Court issued a warrant against the Russian President, journalists in New York on Friday questioned the Secretary General’s meeting with the Russian President.
Deputy spokesman Farhan Haque said any contact between UN officials and those facing trial is only on a need-to-know basis.
He noted that concerns arising from the war in Ukraine and safe navigation in the Black Sea are some of the issues we need to address.
And that’s why this meeting was held, which was done according to business requirements, when you have to work with the person facing the complaint.