The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.

The Secretary-General commended the important progress achieved in Côte d'Ivoire and the commitment of President Ouattara towards sustainable peace, security and economic recovery. He highlighted the need to strive for further gains in reconciliation, security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration as they were crucial for the country’s stability. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to working closely with the Government in addressing remaining challenges.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the fast evolving situation in Mali. The Secretary-General stressed the need to seize the opportunities presented on the security front to continue the political process and commended the leadership of President Ouattara as Chairman of Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government. They also discussed the situation in Guinea-Bissau.