Top UN political official en route to Moscow following visits to Tokyo, Seoul

The United Nations political chief is on his way to Moscow to discuss a number of issues with Russian officials, as part of a regional tour that also included visits to Tokyo and Seoul.

Yesterday, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe attended the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea. He was joined there by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Deputy Chef de Cabinet and Special Adviser Kim Won-soo.

UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters that the delegation had a “very warm” meeting with the new President, who expressed strong interest and determination to expand, as part of his country’s global diplomacy, its role in the UN, including on climate change, increased participation in peacekeeping operations and official development assistance (ODA).

Before visiting Seoul, the delegation was in Tokyo where it had discussions with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Masahiko Koumura, and other senior officials on the areas where Japan and the world body could further strengthen their interaction on UN reform, international peace and other issues of mutual interest, Ms. Montas said.

Mr. Pascoe conveyed the Secretary-General’s strong appreciation for Japan’s contributions to the Organization. He added that the UN will work for the success of the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) Summit in Hokkaido, as well as the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development.