In a joint press conference, Guterres expressed his interest in resuming consultations of international mediators (UN, United States, European Union and Russia) for the Middle East in the quest for a solution to the conflict.

As to the subject, Lavrov backed the proposal to call the Madrid Quartet and expressed his confidence in the UN ability to hold the meeting as soon as possible.

As confirmed by the parties, it was also discussed about present situation in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen and Cyprus, as well as the joint cooperation to challenge climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Antonio Guterres assured that he would support the recognition of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine by the World Health Organization and stressed this process is underway.

‘We greatly appreciate that Russia has given the opportunity to vaccinate UN staff with Sputnik V. It is a very good sign,’ Guterres told reporters.

He also said that ‘Sputnik V is also one of the key elements to solve vaccination issues.’

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