Ban Ki-moon welcomes election of new President of Republic of Korea

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated Lee Myung-bak on becoming elected as the next President of the Republic of Korea.

Mr. Ban "notes that the Republic of Korea is a highly valued and steadfast partner of the United Nations in the work for international peace and security, development and human rights," according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

He voiced hope that under Mr. Lee's leadership, the East Asian nation will increase its already "active engagement" in promoting the UN's agenda, ranging from tackling climate change, contributing to peacekeeping, achieving development goals and pushing for human rights.

"The Secretary-General also looks to the Republic of Korea to play an instrumental role in further consolidating peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, including through denuclearization, and in Northeast Asia as a whole," the statement said.