On June 3, as part of the Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policy in Madrid, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a series of bilateral meetings with international partners.
During her meeting with UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, the sides discussed further strengthening cooperation under the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the implementation of joint initiatives in support of Ukrainian women.
In talks with UN Deputy Secretary-General - Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten, the interlocutors focused on protecting survivors, documenting Russia’s crimes and ensuring the inevitability of punishment for perpetrators, in the context of the recently released annual report of the UN Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence and Russia’s inclusion on the so-called “list of shame.”
At the meeting with UK Foreign Office Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean Chris Elmore, the sides focused on practical aspects of countering russian aggression, including holding Russia accountable, as well as coordinating efforts within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
In talks with Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío, the interlocutors discussed further defense support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia, bolstering air defense, and support for Ukraine’s European integration course.
“We appreciate Spain’s support across all tracks of assistance to Ukraine, but the unconditional priority is strengthening Ukrainian air defense amid barbaric russian shelling of Ukraine’s civilian population,” Mariana Betsa stressed.
The Deputy Minister also met with the Ukrainian community in Spain, including representatives of educational hubs and youth organizations, as well as the active members of the Ukrainian diaspora in Madrid, and thanked them for their active civic engagement, volunteer work and support for Ukraine.
Mariana Betsa also gave an interview to Spanish media.