NATO Secretary General discusses global challenges, closer cooperation with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed global security challenges with the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon on Saturday (26 September) in the margins of the opening ministerial session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Talks between the two leaders focused on the crisis in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Mr. Stoltenberg briefed the UN Secretary-General on NATO’s efforts to build up the defence capacity of countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Secretary General Stoltenberg also briefed on progress in NATO’s efforts to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces.
Congratulating Ban Ki-moon on the UN’s 70th anniversary, the NATO Secretary General stressed that the UN is more relevant and essential than ever. Both leaders expressed their support for closer cooperation between the two organizations. Secretary General Stoltenberg stressed that NATO stands ready to enhance its support to the UN in several areas including the protection against Improvised Explosive Devices, training, education and exercises and rapid deployment.
Mr. Stoltenberg commended Mr. Ban for his important work on the 2015 development goals. He welcomed the new Sustainable Development Goals which focus efforts on addressing root causes of instability and conflict, such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.
Earlier on Saturday, Secretary General Stoltenberg also held talks with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States Mr. Nabil Elraby.
Mr. Stoltenberg will participate on Monday (28 September) in the UN Peacekeeping Summit and will hold bilateral talks with leaders from around the world.