Photo: Permanent Mission of China to the UN

The Group of Friends for Peace, which was set up by China and Brazil, together with some countries of the Global South, to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, said that recent developments suggest the conflict might be approaching “a turning point,” and urged all parties and stakeholders to embrace this opportunity and engage constructively in peace talks. 

The group had a “highly successful” meeting on the latest developments of the conflict in Ukraine, as well as recent dynamics toward peace talks and the prospects for achieving a lasting peace, China’s Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement on Thursday US time. 

“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,” read the statement.

The group urged 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, it said. 

“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,” read the statement, adding that the group will strive to deepen understanding of diverse perspectives, foster common ground, and play a constructive role in supporting all efforts toward peace. 

Global Times