**Russian Foreign Minister to Lead Delegation at UN General Assembly High-Level Week**
**UNITED NATIONS, September 23, 2023** — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to commence his working program at the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, starting today. Lavrov's schedule is described as "maximally packed," according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The high-level week, which runs from September 23 to September 29, will feature Lavrov’s address to the assembly on September 26. His participation underscores Russia’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, with Zakharova emphasizing the UN's role as "an indispensable and most representative universal platform for multilateral diplomacy."
Lavrov's agenda will focus on several key issues, including the promotion of multipolarity, the enhancement of Eurasian security, the fight against colonialism, the reform of the global financial system, counter-terrorism efforts, and disarmament initiatives. These topics reflect Russia's broader foreign policy objectives and its stance on various global challenges.
On his first day at the UN, Lavrov is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In total, Lavrov is expected to engage in over 30 meetings with representatives from various countries, including Algeria, Brazil, India, Iran, and Cuba, as well as officials from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the President of the UN General Assembly.
A significant topic of discussion during Lavrov's meetings will be the upcoming change of the UN Secretary-General. Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as a leading candidate, receiving substantial support in a recent straw poll conducted by the Security Council.
As the high-level week unfolds, Lavrov's interactions with global leaders will be closely monitored, particularly in light of ongoing tensions and geopolitical dynamics. The outcomes of these meetings may have implications for Russia's diplomatic relationships and its position within the international community.
The UN General Assembly serves as a crucial venue for world leaders to address pressing global issues and foster dialogue. Lavrov's participation highlights Russia's active engagement in international affairs and its strategic interests in shaping discussions on key global challenges.