Top UN Political Officer Starts Asia Trip With China Visit To Discuss Peacebuilding, Korea
New York, Oct 25 2006 3:00PM
Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea in peacebuilding and
conflict prevention, along with developments in Asia since the reported nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea (DPRK), are among the issues being discussed by the UN’s top political officer in meetings with high-level
officials during a three-nation visit.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari arrived in China yesterday, on the first leg of his trip
that also comes ahead of next month’s Leadership Summit that the Chinese are hosting for Heads of State and Governments
throughout Africa.
“In Beijing, he has had discussions with senior officials, including the State Councillor and the Foreign Minister, on
issues including the Korean Peninsula, Myanmar, the Middle East peace process, Lebanon, and Darfur,” UN spokesman
Stephane Dujarric told reporters today in New York.
“He is consulting with the three governments on strengthening their cooperation with the United Nations in conflict
prevention, peacemaking and peace-building,” he said, adding that yesterday Mr. Gambari had also discussed “China’s
important role in contributing to peace and development in Africa,” ahead of November’s meeting.
Ends