Readout of Secretary Hagel’s Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
April 18, 2013

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little provided the following readout:

“Secretary Chuck Hagel hosted United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Pentagon today. The visit marks the first time that a United Nations secretary-general has visited the Pentagon.

“Secretary Hagel congratulated Secretary-General Ban on his outstanding leadership at the helm of the United Nations during one of the most turbulent and challenging times in international affairs.

“Secretary Hagel and Secretary-General Ban discussed current and potential future United Nations peacekeeping missions of mutual concern, focusing on the distinctive challenges peacekeepers face in unstable environments. The secretary-general expressed appreciation for the contributions the United States has made to peacekeeping.

“The two leaders discussed the heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula and the need for North Korea to live up to its international obligations and commitments as well as the deteriorating security situation in Syria.

“The secretary-general expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the American people for those killed and injured in the recent bombings in Boston.

“Secretary Hagel thanked Secretary-General Ban for his friendship and stated the Department of Defense will strengthen its collaboration with the United Nations. “