Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Ri Su Yong, Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Readouts | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Ri Su Yong, Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The Secretary-General appreciated the Foreign Minister’s participation in the Climate Change Summit and the General Debate, the latter for the first time in 15 years, as a sign of the DPRK Government's commitment to the UN agenda. The Secretary-General thanked the Foreign Minister for personally conveying a letter from Mr. Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of the DPRK.
The Secretary-General reiterated his hope that all outstanding issues will be resolved through dialogue, so as to move toward a denuclearized and peaceful Korean peninsula. He emphasized the importance of improving the inter-Korean relationship as an essential step for a lasting peace.
The Secretary-General expressed concern about humanitarian situation in the DPRK and the lack of donor support. In this regard, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of ensuring greater access of UN agencies to people in need and their continuing participation in the assessment of needs.
The Secretary-General took note of the DPRK Government's engagement with the international community on human rights issues, including the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council. He encouraged further engagement and expressed readiness to provide technical assistance.