PRESS BRIEFING BY AMY QUANTRILL, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT VOLKAN BOZKIR

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TRAVEL TO CENTRAL ASIA CONCLUDES IN KAZAKHSTAN

  • The President of the General Assembly has concluded his visit to Kazakhstan, which took place from 8-9 July.
  • The President was received in Nur-Sultan by H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The President commended Kazakhstan for the lasting legacy of a successful UN Security Council membership and for hosting the Astana Process to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria. The President also noted the leadership role played by Kazakhstan in amplifying the special development needs of Landlocked Developing Countries as the Chair of this group. The two Presidents spoke about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and voiced mutual support for fair and equitable access to vaccines. They also discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the need for international support to ensure peace and stability at this critical juncture.
  • In addition to the Head of State, the President held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The two discussed regional peace and security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, the nuclear non-proliferation agenda, and the need for vaccines for all in the fight against COVID-19.
  • The President also met with H.E. Mr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The President and Chairperson discussed the need for parliaments to legislate on behalf of the people they serve, as well as the crucial role of the parliaments in implementing the United Nations objectives. 
  • In addition to bilateral meetings, the President visited the UN House and held a discussion with the UN Country Team.

 

QUESTIONS ON HIGH LEVEL WEEK

When asked for an update on the format of high-level week, the Spokesperson said the letter of 23 June was the latest formal correspondence on this matter and consultations continue between the parties concerned and the Office of the President of the General Assembly.