Members of the Group of Friends for Peace convened at the United Nations and advocated for diplomatic solutions on Thursday to call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine's conflict.
China, Brazil and other Global South nations formed the Group of Friends for Peace last year to uphold the UN Charter, foster consensus for a political resolution to the crisis and advance the prospects of peace.
The "highly successful meeting" focused on recent developments in the Ukraine conflict, ongoing dynamics surrounding peace talks, and prospects for lasting peace, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, in a statement.
Highlighting that only a negotiated political solution, including inclusive diplomacy and political means based on the UN Charter, can bring this conflict to an end, Fu said that the group members "stand ready to contribute to a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a better future for all."
The group is worried about the risks and crises arising from the conflict, which has caused repercussions affecting many countries, including those in the Global South, according to the statement.
"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.
Group of Friends for Peace calls for immediate, comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine crisis
