Excellency,

 

I would like to sincerely thank you for your letter in support of my appeal for a global ceasefire. I have been encouraged by the response that the appeal has received from world leaders and governments across the globe, as well as regional partners, civil society and religious leaders. It is particularly significant that the appeal has prompted initial positive responses from a number of conflict parties.

 

I remain concerned for those disproportionately impacted by the conflict and for those made more vulnerable to the pandemic and I continue to emphasize our shared responsibility to protect civilians, particularly women, children, and marginalized groups. In this regard, I deeply appreciate the efforts of your country to provide humanitarian assistance to affected countries in the region, including the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

 

Let me also commend the decisive actions taken by your Government to limit the spread of the virus in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic, including on the most vulnerable. I am also encouraged by the close cooperation between your Government and the United Nations Country Team in Uzbekistan, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator.

 

The United Nations will continue to engage with all governments and relevant stakeholders to help conflict parties move from statements of good intention or tentative ceasefires towards ending wars, achieving lasting political solutions, and building sustainable peace. I look forward to your continued support of our efforts.

 

I would also like to note that I have learned with deep sadness of the breach of the dam in the Syrdarya region. I wish to express my solidarity with the people of Uzbekistan and the neighboring Kazakhstan who have been affected by the floods following the dam breach. I commend the close cooperation between the governments of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to provide support to those in need.

 

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.