UN General Assembly President, Mr. Dennis Francis, Completes Official Visit to Ukraine

While in Kyiv, the President of the General Assembly met with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and H.E. Mr. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. He held separate bilateral engagements with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Ruslan Stefanchuk; the Prime Minister of Ukraine, H.E. Denys Shmyhal; and Ombudsperson of Ukraine, Mr. Dmytro Lubinets.

Throughout his discussions the PGA stressed that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter and reiterated the UN General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The PGA commended efforts to advance peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the recent Summit on Peace in Ukraine would bring further progress in the near future.

While in Kyiv, the PGA visited the formerly occupied territories of Borodyanka and Bucha, where he engaged with residents and learned first-hand about the destruction of schools, homes and critical infrastructure. While in Bucha, he visited the Church of Saint Andrew and participated in a candle-lighting ceremony, paying tribute to those who lost their lives. 

The UN has worked closely with the Government, local authorities and international partners to rebuild from the destruction.

“I would like to think the darkest of the night is behind Ukraine, not ahead of it […] Your remarkable success thus far has inspired not just the General Assembly, but people around the world,” he said. 

In addition, the PGA participated in a lecture at Mariupol State University, currently based in Kyiv, where he engaged with students from three temporarily occupied regions studying law, political science, business and sociology.  He also held a roundtable discussion with the UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Ms. Denise Brown, and the UN Country Team representatives.

Throughout his engagements, President Francis underscored the need for the international community to continue providing much-needed support to Ukraine, particularly to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The PGA used the opportunity to better understand the situation on the ground, as well as the urgent needs of civilians and humanitarian support groups. 

The PGA’s delegation included his Chef de Cabinet, a Senior Adviser on Peace and Security, and a Communications Adviser.

Travel costs for the visit were covered by the Regular Budget and the OPGA Trust Fund.

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For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Katherine Stephan, Communications Adviser, travelling with the delegation: + 1 917 242-6186

Carolina Nazzaro, Media Relations Adviser: carolina.nazzaro@un.org; + 1 917 892-2751

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