The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Ms. Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union.  They discussed the critical situation in Syria, prospects for Iran nuclear talks, as well as efforts to help restore peace and an inclusive government in Egypt.  As Quartet Members, they also touched upon the state of affairs in the Middle East Peace Process.  The Secretary-General welcomed the European Union’s active engagement on Somalia, including the successful convening of the recent conference on Somalia in Brussels, and continued EU support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

He also underlined the need for urgent international support for the Central African Republic, as well as the Sahel region.

They discussed the pressing importance of concerted action regarding climate change.