President Moon Jae-in, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today as the first event on his itinerary in the United States. They discussed how to work together to resolve pending global issues and issues involving the Korean Peninsula.

Giving a high evaluation of the unprecedentedly swift and unanimous adoption of Resolution 2375 by the U.N. Security Council on September 11, President Moon underscored the need for the international community to work together in implementing the sanctions resolution. The President requested a more active role by the Secretary-General for the sake of the peaceful, fundamental and comprehensive resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue as early as possible. 

President Moon also said that the ROK government will actively respond to the Secretary-General`s efforts to mediate dialogue. Secretary-General Guterres said he has been following with interest the new South Korean government`s policy towards the North and agreed to make efforts in cooperation with the ROK government to find a solution to the North Korea nuclear issue through dialogue, along with cooperation at the U.N. level to implement the U.N. Security Council resolutions.  He also emphasized the concerted efforts of the international community and resolution through diplomatic means rather than military option. 

President Moon expressed high appreciation for Secretary-General Guterres`s outstanding leadership in addressing such challenges as conflicts, terrorism and poverty throughout the world. The President also said that Korea would work closely together with the United Nations and the international community to address and respond to various global issues, including sustainable development, climate change and refugees.
 

In addition, President Moon said that the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games this coming February would become a meaningful occasion to promote peace. The President asked for the Secretary-General’s cooperation in making it succeed as an Olympics of genuine peace that realizes the Olympic spirit of harmony.

It was the second meeting between President Moon and Secretary-General Guterres; they also met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, in July. Today`s meeting was considered an opportunity to deepen their friendship and further solidify close cooperative relations between Korea and the United Nations in resolving the issues affecting the Korean Peninsula, and jointly respond to recent developments around the world.