The President of the 76th session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, met today with H.E. Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece.
With reference to the war in Ukraine, the Minister expressed deep concern regarding the risk of spillover in the region as well as failed attempts to establish humanitarian corridors. Minister Varvitsiotis underscored measures to assist Greek minorities in Ukraine and Greece’s initiatives to receive refugees fleeing the conflict.
President Shahid noted the historic 11th Emergency Special Session held by the General Assembly and highlighted his repeated calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. In connection with the larger humanitarian situation, the President stressed the need to limit the disruption of wheat supply from the region, which accounted for a considerable portion of the world’s food security.
They also discussed regional security issues and the need for dialogue in the resolution of regional territorial disputes, as well as the President’s intention to host a “Moment For Nature” in July to assess the various environment conferences that have taken place since the commencement of the 76th session, take stock of achievements and shortcomings, and chart out a path forward.
The two leaders also touched on the important role played by the UNCLOS convention as a comprehensive legal framework governing all activities and uses of the world’s seas and oceans in the last 40 years since its opening for signature.
The meeting took place in the President’s office at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
16 March 2022
