The Secretary-General met the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Lee Myung-bak, in Seoul today at the Presidential Blue House.

The Secretary-General thanked the President for his country's support for his re-election and for its support for the work of the United Nations.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the Millennium Development Goals, climate change, co-operation between the United Nations and the Republic of Korea, including the country's possible contribution to peace-keeping in South Sudan. They also discussed a number of regional matters, including Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa.

The President also hosted a dinner for about 100 guests. In a toast at the dinner, the Secretary-General said experience in economic and democratic development was invaluable to the United Nations. He said the international community was increasingly looking to South Korea's capacity and experience in addressing global challenges. He said the international community wanted to listen and learn from South Korea and partner with it in leading the world toward peace and prosperity. The Secretary-General said that as South Korea marks the 20th anniversary of joining the United Nations, he hoped President Lee would attend the General Assembly next month and expand the horizon of Korean diplomacy.