The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, during a visit to Prague on 4 April.

The Secretary-General thanked President Zeman for the Czech Republic’s commitment and contributions to the United Nations, in particular in the fields of peacekeeping, development cooperation and human rights. They discussed the latest developments in Ukraine and the possible impact of the crisis in the region, agreeing on the need for constructive dialogue between all parties involved.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the Czech Republic's support for humanitarian action in Syria.  He urged the international community not to lose sight of this ongoing crisis and the need for a political solution, and particularly, to address the plight of the Syrian people.

During his visit to Prague, the Secretary-General also met with Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Zaoralek, as well as with the Chair of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, Mr. Hamacek. In his meetings, the Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for the international community to do more to address the sharply deteriorating situation in the Central African Republic. Also, he emphasized that in addition to fast-moving crisis situations, due attention was needed for long-term policies to facilitate a more sustainable and prosperous world for all.

In this regard, he highlighted the need to act decisively and ambitiously on key issues such as accelerating the Millennium Development Goals, crafting an ambitious and comprehensive post-2015 sustainable development agenda and tackling climate change.