Annan, Mayor Bloomberg hold 'cordial' meeting to discuss UN-New York relations

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and the new Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, had a "cordial" meeting during which the Mayor pledged his full support to the world body, a UN spokeswoman said today.

When the two leaders met for a working dinner on Tuesday evening, Mayor Bloomberg stressed that the presence of the UN and the diplomatic corps in New York City was important to the economy, Ms. Marie Okabe told a press briefing at UN Headquarters. "He said he was thrilled to have the United Nations in New York City and would do all that he can to help the United Nations succeed," Ms. Okabe said.

For his part, Mr. Annan congratulated the Mayor on his election and said he looked forward to working with Mr. Bloomberg to foster a strong relationship between the UN and New York.

The two men also discussed an initiative - known as the Capital Master Plan - to refurbish the world body's landmark Headquarters in New York. A recent study found that the UN complex, constructed some 50 years ago, was in "dire need of refurbishment."