Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea

The Secretary-General met today with President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and her cabinet ministers and senior advisors. They shared their views on the critical importance of making progress on the Post-2015 Agenda, climate change, development assistance funding, protection of refugees and migrants, and other urgent global issues. In particular, they discussed the ongoing process on climate change leading to the upcoming Paris Conference and the RoK's commitments.

The Secretary-General expressed his deep regret regarding the unexpected decision by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to reverse its decision inviting him to the Kaesong Industrial Complex early today. He reiterated that he would spare no effort to continue supporting the dialogue and reconciliation efforts between the RoK and the DPRK. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation to the President's policy on the confidence-building process on the Korean Peninsula and his readiness to support the RoK and the DPRK's engagement. The Secretary-General noted the President's concerns regarding the DPRK's recent missile tests and the continuing nuclear weapons program, while also noting that humanitarian issues should not be linked with political and security issues.

The Secretary-General commended the RoK's financial and medical assistance toward fighting Ebola in Western Africa and noted the UN's efforts to improve to continue enhancing global capacity to respond to epidemics. The Secretary-General urged the RoK to continue its leadership in mobilizing funds for development assistance as the host country of the Green Climate Fund. The Secretary-General noted that the RoK could offer its experience to developing countries, as a unique country that has transitioned from a Least Developed Country to an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member country. The Secretary-General urged the RoK to make its Intentional Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) in the near future.

The Secretary-General noted that climate change, countering terrorism and violent extremism, issues pertaining to refugees and migrants, the High-Level Panel review of the international actions to fight Ebola, and other issues to be highlighted in the context of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations would greatly benefit from the RoK's continued strong commitments and contributions.