HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MIROSLAV LAJČÁK

AFGHANISTAN: TERROR ATTACK ON YOUNG STUDENTS “UNACCEPTABLE”

• On Afghanistan, the President said it was unacceptable that a suicide bomber killed almost 50 people in Kabul today.
• He noted that many of the victims were young people preparing for university entrance exams.
• He said, “Pursuing an education should not be a risk to one’s life.”
• He added that the General Assembly continues to stand against terrorism and with Afghanistan.

PRESIDENT MEETS WITH TURKISH LEADERS IN ANKARA

• The President was in Turkey on Monday.
• In Ankara, he delivered remarks to the tenth annual Turkish Ambassadors’ Conference. He spoke about current priorities on the international agenda – including migration, peace, sustainable development and people – as well as United Nations reform and multilateralism. He also flagged Turkey’s “very unique role on the international stage.”
• While in Ankara, President Lajčák met with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey. President Lajčák thanked Turkey for its strong support to the United Nations; for its active and visible role in the General Assembly; and for hosting more refugees than any other country. They also discussed regional challenges and how those could be addressed through international cooperation.
• The President also met separately with the Turkish Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Their discussion focused on dynamics in the region with an emphasis on finding political solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
• The President was also briefed by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkey.
• In response to questions, the Spokesperson confirmed that relations between Turkey and the United States did come up as a topic in President Lajčák’s meetings with the Turkish President and Foreign Minister.

NO GENERAL ASSEMBLY ROLE IN REPORTED U.S.-TALIBAN TALKS

• Asked about reports of talks between the United States and the Taliban, the Spokesperson said that there was no connection between those reported talks and the General Assembly.
• In that regard, the Spokesperson was not in a position to confirm or explain any such reports.