The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines.

They discussed humanitarian and recovery efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The Secretary-General noted the excellent cooperation in humanitarian and recovery efforts among the Government of the Philippines, humanitarian organizations and the UN Country Team, adding that the United Nations will continue to support the Government-led response.

He said that the Philippines was on the front lines of climate change, noting that the recent typhoon was an example of how extreme weather events were increasingly impacting our lives, as well as stressing the importance of mitigation and adaptation.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the Philippines' contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly in the Golan Heights and South Sudan.

On the Mindanao Peace Process, the Secretary-General commended the President and Government for their leadership and efforts towards achieving lasting peace.