Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany.

The Secretary-General expressed deep appreciation to Germany for showing such compassion on the challenge of migration. He also acknowledged the difficulties that Germany faced in assuming its leadership role.  The two leaders concurred on the need for international solidarity to address this phenomenon as well as to deal with its underlying causes.

In this connection, they agreed on the need for greater international cooperation towards a political solution to the conflict in Syria, while expressing their concern with the latest developments on the ground. The Secretary-General thanked Germany for its generous contributions to the UN’s humanitarian efforts in Syria and neighbouring countries.

The Secretary-General also commended Germany for its pivotal role in the negotiations that led to an agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme, and for its efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

Among other issues, the Secretary-General expressed his satisfaction with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and hoped for an ambitious outcome at the Paris Climate Change Conference.