The Secretary-General and President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea (ROK) exchanged New Year's greetings in a phone conversation today.

The Secretary General commended the ROK's active contribution to the work of the United Nations under the leadership of President Park, including through global efforts to address climate change and fight against Ebola, among others. The Secretary-General noted this year would meaningfully mark the 70th anniversaries of both the founding of the United Nations and the independence of the ROK.

He told President Park that he looked forward to the ROK’s leadership in forging a meaningful agreement on climate change, as well the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals and the shaping of the post-2015 development agenda.

They also discussed issues related to the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary-General appreciated President Park's commitment to building peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula through inter-Korean dialogue. He took note of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s positive response today.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed his readiness to provide any support, as appropriate, in facilitating peace and stability in the region in close coordination with the concerned countries.