Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Ms. Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Secretary-General set out the key role of the United Kingdom within the international community, as a permanent member of the Security Council, as well as through its steadfast commitment to meet the 0.7 per cent target for Overseas Development Assistance.   He also expressed his gratitude for the UK's leadership on climate change.   Referring to the discussions at the Summit for Refugees and Migrants, the Secretary-General and the Prime Minister concurred on the need to find solutions that are in the interest of migrants and refugees as well as their countries of origin, transit and destination.

The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula at a moment of heightened tension. The Secretary-General counted on the Security Council’s united leadership to de-escalate tensions and prevent further provocative actions.

The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister exchanged views on the ongoing talks in Cyprus, with both sharing their appreciation towards the commitment of the two leaders there to achieve a solution within 2016.

The Secretary-General thanked the United Kingdom for hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in London earlier this month. He expressed his deep concern with the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations.

The Secretary-General also expressed his appreciation to the United Kingdom for hosting the Supporting Syria and the Region conference in February this year, and echoed the Prime Minister’s appeal for donors’ pledges to be translated into action. The Secretary-General also commended the United Kingdom’s leadership in providing comprehensive support to Somalia.