Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna will be in New York from February 22 to 24.
She will address the UN General Assembly on behalf of France one year after Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine. On this occasion, the body will vote on a Ukrainian resolution co-sponsored by more than 60 nations, reiterating that the fundamental principles of the UN Charter – territorial integrity, national sovereignty and the non-use of force – are the only possible foundations for a just and lasting peace.
On February 24, Ms. Colonna will also take part in a Security Council meeting at the ministerial level on the situation in Ukraine.
She will have an opportunity to speak with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres about Ukraine as well as several other international crises, and to discuss France and the UN’s commitment to the climate, sustainable development financing and ocean protection.
With Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Ms. Colonna will reaffirm France’s historical and concrete support for peacekeeping operations and their vital role in bringing stability on the ground.
She will also meet with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to discuss deportations of Ukrainian children and all the other major violations they are subjected to on a daily basis.
This visit will also allow the minister to expand her discussions with a certain number of her counterparts, particularly her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
Ms. Colonna will hold a press conference during her visit on February 23, at approximately 5 p.m. local time.
Originally published at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/united-nations/news-and-events/news/news-2023/article/un-catherine-colonna-s-visit-to-new-york-feb-22-24-2023
