The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister shared their deep concern over the situation in Syria. 

The Secretary-General recognized the Netherlands’ continued engagement in Mali and stressed the need for MINUSMA to be equipped with the required capabilities to implement its mandate. 

He also encouraged the Netherlands to ratify the Paris agreement on climate change before the end of the year. 

Recalling his visit earlier this year, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the hospitality offered by the Government of the Netherlands and the City of The Hague to the various institutions established by or with the assistance of the United Nations.