MIDDLE EAST
Putin also held talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the pair’s first meeting since April 2022.
Guterres “reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law”, a readout from the UN chief’s spokesperson said after their meeting.
Guterres also emphasised his commitment to “establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” saying the move was vital for both Ukraine and Russia, as well as global “food and energy security.”
The UN chief had pleaded earlier for a “just peace” in Ukraine in a speech delivered in front of Putin.
The Russian leader gave a dry response, saying Guterres had noted “we should all live as one big family”.
“In families, unfortunately, there are often quarrels, scandals, division of property, and sometimes even fights,” Putin said, with a smirk.
Ukraine has strongly criticised Guterres’s decision to meet Putin.
Guterres also demanded an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, the release of hostages and an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Lebanon.
Other world leaders at the summit also called for an end to Israel’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza, with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas saying Israel was trying to starve Gazan civilians and drive them from their territory.
Xi warned about “serious challenges” in the world and said he hoped BRICS countries could be a “stabilising force for peace”.
The Chinese leader voiced support for a ceasefire in Gaza, relaunching the two-state solution and halting the “spread of war in Lebanon”.
Starting in 2009 with four members – Brazil, Russia, India and China – BRICS has expanded to include other emerging nations such as South Africa, Egypt and Iran.
An application from Venezuela to join the group was rejected after a veto by Brazil – a move condemned by Caracas on Thursday as “a hostile gesture”.
