Secretary-General António Guterres travelled to Brussels to meet with European leaders. On Wednesday, he attended a working lunch organised by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
I thank President @vonderleyen for her warm welcome to the @EU_Commission.
At this particularly dark moment, Europe’s role on the global stage is more important than ever.
Only together can we build a peaceful, prosperous & just future for all. pic.twitter.com/hJMOoKrvWb
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 20, 2024
“We are extremely concerned about the war in Gaza and the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian situation.
Gaza is facing famine.
It’s critical to achieve an agreement on a ceasefire rapidly now that frees the hostages and allows more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.”
— President… pic.twitter.com/Mra7AqA1Yu
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) March 20, 2024
After lunch, the Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and in mid-afternoon with Ms. Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Caroline Gennez, Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and of Major Cities.
![António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations and Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships](https://unric.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/03/jutta-urpilainen-antonio-guterres-20-march.jpg)
![United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres with Ms. Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Caroline Gennez, Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and of Major Cities](https://unric.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/03/bel-antonio-guterres-20-march.jpg)
He was later welcomed by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
![António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations and Charles Michel, President of the European Council.](https://unric.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/03/charles-michel-antonio-guterres-20-march.jpg)
On Thursday, Secretary-General António Guterres, met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
![United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres with President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola](https://unric.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/03/roberta-metsola-antonio-guterres-21-march.jpg)
At the invitation of the President of the European Council, the Secretary-General attended a working lunch with the Heads of State and Government of the European Union, at the opening of the European Council.
@UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres delivered comments on #InternationalPeace during a joint stakeout with @CharlesMichel, President of the @EUCouncil, in Brussels. pic.twitter.com/r1yXJ1ZziH
— UN Web TV (@UNWebTV) March 21, 2024
Additional links:
- Secretary-General’s joint press encounter with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel – 21 March 2024 (United Nations)
- Remarks by President Charles Michel before the European Council meeting – 21 March 2024 (European Council)
- Secretary-General’s press encounter with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen – 20 March 2024 (United Nations)
- Press statement by President von der Leyen with UN Secretary-General Guterres – 20 March 2024 (European Commission)