The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the margins of the Fourth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries.

The Secretary-General and the President agreed on the importance on the LDC Conference, and the need for a positive outcome.

They discussed the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Libya, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. The Secretary-General said he was very concerned over reports about Syria mobilizing its military against protesters.

The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of Iran continuing negotiations with the E3+3 on the country's nuclear programme and cooperating fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also asked the President to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, including on a potential visit by the Office to the country.