UN chief congratulates Park Geun-hye on election as new president of Republic of Korea

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warmly congratulated Park Geun-hye on her election as the next President of the Republic of Korea, and voiced his readiness to work with the new Government, according to his spokesperson.

“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,” added a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“With this new leadership,” it continued, “the Secretary-General hopes for even more active engagement by the Republic of Korea in advancing the agenda of the United Nations – from the promotion of sustainable development, the fight against climate change, and the contribution to global peace and human rights promotion.”

Ms. Park, the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee, defeated rival Moon Jae-in in today’s polls. She will be the first female leader of the Republic of Korea.

The Secretary-General, the statement added, stands ready to work with the new Government in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including through addressing the humanitarian, nuclear and other concerns regarding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.