In China, UN chief stresses importance of resuming dialogue on Korean Peninsula
Continuing his visit to China, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today the importance of creating the adequate conditions to resume dialogue between parties in the Korean Peninsula and rid the region of nuclear weapons.
“At this time I’d like to urge again the authorities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fully comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions with the aim of realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Mr. Ban said in a press encounter in Beijing.
“I have taken note of the willingness of the DPRK to engage in dialogue. While I welcome such measures, any meaningful dialogue should be firmly anchored in the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,” he said.
“At the same time, it is absolutely necessary that all pending issues on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, particularly through dialogue between South and North Korea, who are the directly concerned parties.”
Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General met in Beijing with Chinese Oremier Li Keqiang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi.
Mr. Ban commended China for its continued progress in the economic and social sphere, saying that “the world increasingly looks to China,” and that the country’s role in South-South cooperation was particularly appreciated.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of China’s continued leadership and active role on sustainable development, climate change, renewable energy and other priority areas. They also discussed cooperation between China and the United Nations on tackling the H7N9 influenza virus.
The Secretary-General and State Councillor Yang Jiechi discussed a range of international matters, focussing on developments on the Korean Peninsula and in Syria. The Secretary-General underscored his appreciation for China’s role in defusing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged Beijing to continue to do so.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulates Gao Xuan, a student at Beijing Science and Technology University, as the 4 millionth fan of UN Weibo. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with Beijing’s Mayor, Wang Anshun. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon takes a tour of a climate change exhibit at the Capital Museum in Beijing. At right is Mr. Ban's wife, Yoo Soon-taek. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon takes a tour of a climate change exhibit at the Capital Museum in Beijing. On his left his wife, Yoo Soon-taek. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with Wang Xiaokang, Chairperson of China Industrial Energy Conservation and Clean Production Association. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with Wang Xiaokang (third from left), Chairperson of China Industrial Energy Conservation and Clean Production Association. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets on Clean Energy with Mr. Wang Xiaokang, Chairperson of China Industrial Energy Conservation and Clean Production Association, Jieneng Mansion. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon takes a bicycle break during his state visit. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Yesterday, Mr. Ban met with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and discussed how the UN, the international community and the Chinese Government can work together to bring peace and stability to the region. Mr. Ban also met today with State Councilor Yang Jiechi.
In remarks to the press, Mr. Ban also expressed the UN’s commitment to continue its activities in Somalia in spite of the attacks to the UN Common Compound in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
“The United Nations will never be deterred by these terrible attacks. We are there to help the Somali government and people to establish political stability and promote development, and promote human rights and human dignity,” he told reporters, and thanked the Chinese Government for its willingness to support the world body following this horrific event.