We are pleased to announce that we have just had a highly successful meeting of the Group of Friends for Peace. We discussed the latest developments of the conflict in Ukraine, as well as recent dynamics toward peace talks and the prospects for achieving a lasting peace.
Since its establishment in last September, our Group has actively voiced the perspectives and concerns regarding the conflict of the countries which predominantly represent the Global South together with some countries that are from the region.
All our efforts have been guided by our strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any State, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Recognizing that there can be no settlement by military means only and that these deepen human suffering, from the very beginning, we have consistently advocated for an early peaceful resolution and the need to observe principles for de-escalation and the importance of non-expansion of the battlefield and non-intensification of fighting. We firmly believe that only a negotiated political solution, including inclusive diplomacy and political means based on the UN Charter, can bring this conflict to an end.
We remain committed to promoting the spirit of solidarity and partnership between nations, as emphasized by the Bandung principles, inter alia.
Deeply troubled by the prolonged hostilities and the immense negative impacts they have caused, we were among the first to call for an immediate and complete ceasefire--a call we firmly reiterate today. We believe that prioritizing peace and protecting innocent lives, particularly those of women and children, must remain at the forefront of all efforts.
Recent developments suggest that the conflict might be approaching a turning point, with the focus shifting from the battlefield to the negotiating table. We welcome this potential shift and see it as an opportunity to generate new momentum toward ending the conflict. This could mark a critical step toward peace and pave the way for meaningful and sustainable progress.
We urge all parties and stakeholders to embrace this opportunity and engage constructively in peace talks. The shared goal must be to find a just and lasting solution—one that addresses mutual concerns of the parties to the conflict and leads to a peace agreement negotiated directly by and acceptable to them. We believe that the UN can play a role in fostering such diplomatic efforts and in the implementation of any peace agreement.
We are worried about the risks and crises arising from this conflict which has caused repercussions affecting many countries, including those in the Global South. Issues such as food and energy security, as well as humanitarian assistance should be integral to the peace process, and the voices of the Global South should be heard and heeded in supporting peace in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, we, as members of the Group of Friends for Peace, are committed to maintaining close engagement with one another and with all relevant parties. We will strive to deepen our understanding of diverse perspectives, foster common ground, and play a constructive role in supporting all efforts toward peace. Together, we stand ready to contribute to a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a better future for all.