The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Ernesto Samper Pizano, Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

The Secretary-General thanked Mr. Samper for his regional leadership. They expressed interest in exploring means of cooperation between the United Nations and UNASUR in areas such as democracy, human rights and the promotion of peace. The Secretary-General further recognized the contribution of UNASUR member States to the work of the United Nations, including their participation in peacekeeping operations. The Secretary-General and Mr. Samper also discussed regional developments in South America.