MFA Press Statement: Meeting between Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in New York on Tuesday, 10 April 2007

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong met United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the UN Secretariat on 10 April 2007. This was coincidentally Secretary-General Ban's 100th day in office.

Senior Minister Goh expressed Singapore's strong support for the United Nations and Secretary-General Ban.

Senior Minister also complimented the Secretary-General for being courageous in tackling difficult issues, like Darfur and Somalia. These are humanitarian tragedies that deserve the full attention of the United Nations. Senior Minister and the Secretary-General also exchanged views on developmental issues. They both agreed that the United Nations had a very important role to play in tackling poverty alleviation and issues relating to sustainable development.

The Secretary-General told Senior Minister that during the initial few months, he had focused his efforts on dialogue and consultation with the Member States so as to establish good working relations and to create a common understanding as the basis for reform.

At Senior Minister Goh's request, Secretary-General Ban briefed Senior Minister on his priorities for the coming years, including his vision for the United Nations and his reform of the UN Secretariat.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 APRIL 2007