NATO Secretary General visits the United Nations
The Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, began his visit to the United Nations with a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The two Secretaries General focused primarily on Afghanistan, looking forward to an upcoming UN-sponsored conference which should help chart the way forward for international support for Afghanistan, as part of an overall transition to Afghan lead in all sectors.
They discussed the Balkans, where NATO and the UN Mission in Kosovo will consult closely as the KFOR mission evolves. They shared the view that more effective international legal arrangements are necessary to combat piracy. Overall, they welcomed the growing trust and cooperation in NATO-UN relations.
The Secretary General then met with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. Afghanistan was the main topic of discussion: they shared the view that Australia, as an important contributor to the ISAF, should be as fully involved as possible in shaping the future of the mission. They also addressed other security issues of common interest, including relations with Russia.
Mr Rasmussen also held an important bilateral meeting with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Mr Amre Moussa. They discussed a range of issues, including political developments in the Middle East region.