The Secretary-General met in New York with His Excellency, Mr. Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin.  They discussed pressing issues related to the African continent, including peace and security and the fight against drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption and impunity.  They also discussed the situation in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali.  President Yayi stressed the need for the international community to support efforts by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in this regard.  The Secretary-General welcomed the African Union’s key role in addressing these issues and also in implementing the continent’s development agenda.