SG/T/3037

Activities of Secretary-General in Kazakhstan, 9-10 June

United nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, accompanied by Madam Ban Soon-taek, arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, shortly before midnight on Tuesday, 9 June, from Tajikistan.  Kazakhstan was the second stop of his visit to the Central Asian nations.

On Wednesday morning, 10 June, he met with Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland.  The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between the United Nations and Finland, thanking the country for its strong support for mediation efforts.  They agreed on the importance of swift implementation of the post-2015 development agenda, with the Secretary-General emphasizing the importance of development funding.

The Secretary-General participated in the fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.  In his remarks, he said that there is no greater cause today than building bridges of understanding and cooperation among communities.  (See Press Release SG/SM/16834.)

"We must open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to those of different backgrounds or beliefs — and safeguard the rights of all religious communities, in particular minority communities," he said.

The Secretary-General had a meeting over lunch with President Nursultan A. Nazarbayev.

He then visited the new National Museum before taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new United Nations House in Astana with Foreign Minister Erlan A. Idrissov.

Speaking jointly to the press, the Secretary-General said that Kazakhstan is known for its work within the region and around the world, serving as a global leader in promoting nuclear non-proliferation and peacebuilding.

He also said that Kazakhstan should also continue to make progress on human rights, including the development of a comprehensive National Human Rights Action Plan.

The Secretary-General received an honorary doctorate from Alfarabi Kazakh National University.  He said he was accepting the honour on behalf of United Nations staff who are working tirelessly for democracy, world peace and human rights.

He met with United Nations staff working in Kazakhstan before attending a concert on the occasion of the fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The Secretary-General and Madam Ban departed Kazakhstan late on Wednesday evening for Kyrgyzstan.

For information media. Not an official record.