Today the Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change by the Government of the Russian Federation and encouraged its speedy ratification. He also highlighted the important role of parliamentarians in the alignment of government policy with the goals of Agenda 2030.

Finally, the Secretary-General thanked the Russian Federation for its support to the United Nations' peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. He expressed his hope for a further increase in contributions, particularly in terms of aviation assets.

St. Petersburg, 16 June 2016

Photo: UN/Rick Bajornas