Pellegrini Ends UN Visit, Calls for Peace and Reform

Bratislava/New York, 25 September (TASR) – President Peter Pellegrini concluded his working visit to the United States on Thursday, held on the occasion of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and departed back to Slovakia, the President's Office press department told TASR on the same day. In his speech during the general debate on Wednesday, Pellegrini emphasised the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and highlighted its key role in maintaining peace and international order. He acknowledged that while the organisation is in need of reform — due to financial challenges and declining credibility in recent years — its mission remains irreplaceable. The President stressed that Slovakia will always stand on the side of peace, cooperation, and respect for international law. Pellegrini also addressed the UN Security Council, where he called for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that Slovakia is ready to assist and support guarantees for lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter and resolutions. He urged the international community to continue pursuing a peaceful resolution and proposed a three-step approach to gradually end the war. As part of his itinerary, Pellegrini participated in a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and attended a summit of the Crimea Platform. He held numerous bilateral meetings, including with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and the Presidents of Georgia and Lebanon. At the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the UN, Pellegrini took part in the ceremonial unveiling of a relief dedicated to Jan Papanek, the first Czechoslovak ambassador to the UN and a co-author of the UN Charter. In New Jersey, he met with members of the Slovak community at one of the largest Slovak festivals in the United States — the Slovak Heritage Festival. He also attended the 'Slovaks in Concert' event and participated in discussions at the Slovak Pro summit. mf