1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se paid a courtesy call on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the UN headquarters on September 26. During the call, the two sides exchanged views on the North Korean nuclear issue and other issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, the situation in Syria, and the progress in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the post-2015 development goals.

2. With regard to inter-Korean relations, Minister Yun voiced his regret over the fact that despite the resumed operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex achieved through the ROK government’s “trustpolitik,” North Korea unilaterally cancelled the plan to hold reunions of families separated during the Korean War.

° Secretary-General Ban expressed hope for an increase in inter-Korean dialogue and exchanges including family reunions. He extended his appreciation to the ROK government for providing increased humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in North Korea.

3. In terms of the situation in Syria, Minister Yun commended the Secretary-General’s leadership, including dispatching a UN team to investigate the suspected use of chemical weapons by Syria. The Minister added that the ROK, as a member of the UN Security Council, has been taking an active part in discussions on ways to resolve the Syrian situation, while extending humanitarian aid to the country.

° Secretary-General Ban offered his appreciation to the ROK for supporting the activities of the UN investigation team and providing humanitarian assistance to Syria.

4. With regard to the progress in the MDGs and discussions on the post-2015 development agenda, the Secretary-General commended the ROK government for its active role in them, especially by expanding its official development assistance (ODA).

° Minister Yun took note of smooth progress of the relevant discussions during the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly. He added that the ROK will continue making meaningful contributions to the discussions by sharing its experiences in development, hosting the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan and taking the lead in advancing the G20 development agenda. 


                   Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation