Dennis Francis, serving as president of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, signaled an intent to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the upcoming high-level General Assembly week. The event, typically a focal point for diplomacy, is scheduled to unfold from September 19 to 25. The plan to engage Lavrov was conveyed in an interview with TASS, indicating a direct discussion on a broad set of topics that concern the UN and the Russian Federation. Francis indicated that a meeting was anticipated and that the conversations would address issues previously raised in dialogue with the Russian minister, reflecting ongoing expectations for constructive communication. — TASS
Francis stressed that Russia remains an active participant in global affairs and a deeply engaged member of the UN family. He underscored the importance of recognizing Russia’s role within the international community and ensuring it is treated with the same respect and on equal terms as all other delegations, consistent with the responsibilities of his office. In his view, constructive engagement with Moscow is essential for advancing collective goals at the United Nations. — TASS
The General Assembly president noted that he has already established a solid working relationship with the Russian delegation. He emphasized that ongoing dialogue is crucial to maintaining a productive partnership, especially as Russia remains a key player in the international system. The aim is to foster cooperation across negotiations and initiatives hosted within the UN framework, and to ensure that discussions with Russia contribute to collaborative outcomes rather than divisions. Francis expressed hope that this constructive dynamic will endure and yield positive results for the global community. — TASS
In related developments, the UN Secretary-General has called on world leaders attending New York for the high-level week to pursue consensus on pressing global challenges. The appeal aligns with the broader objective of uniting diverse viewpoints to reach durable agreements on issues ranging from peace and security to sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation. This push for consensus reflects a shared priority across UN organs to translate lofty goals into actionable commitments during the assembly period. — UN communications
Meanwhile, in the broader European context, comments from the European Commission have noted the scale and scope of frozen Russian assets within the European Union. The ongoing assessments and policy discussions highlight the EU’s approach to sanctions and financial measures, and how these actions intertwine with international diplomacy and multilateral negotiations at the United Nations. Observers view these financial dynamics as a background factor shaping the negotiation landscape during the General Assembly season. — EU announcements