Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with Ms. Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. PARK Geun-hye, the President of the Republic of Korea. They discussed a wide range of issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula, sustainable development, climate action, as well as humanitarian work, including the current refugee crisis. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s contribution in those areas. He commended the President's leadership in promoting international cooperation for the newly adopted sustainable development agenda, including by sharing the Republic of Korea's development experience and knowledge, such as the Saemaul Initiative, with developing countries. The Secretary-General expressed hope for the continued dialogue and reconciliation between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He reiterated his readiness to support inter-Korean cooperation and efforts to move toward a peaceful and denuclearized Korean Peninsula through dialogue. The Secretary-General and the President discussed their concerns regarding the announcements by DPRK on possible activities in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Secretary-General further expressed his appreciation to President Park for reaffirming her commitment to continue humanitarian assistance for vulnerable groups in the DPRK, regardless of the political situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary-General expressed his hope that the countries in Northeast Asia will continue their work for peace, security and prosperity in the region. In that regard, he commended the Republic of Korea's efforts to promote constructive dialogue with Japan and the People's Republic of China.