In the run-up to the meeting of the Middle East Quartet, Federal Foreign Minister Dr.Frank-Walter Steinmeier met for bilateral talks in the Federal Foreign Office this Wednesday (21 February) with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.
Speaking after the talks, the Federal Foreign Minister emphasized the high standing which the United Nations enjoys in Germany: "Here in Germany, you may always consider yourself among friends, both personally and as Secretary-General. Multilateralism is something like the backbone of German foreign policy."
Steinmeier assured the Secretary-General, who takes on the leadership of the United Nations at a very important time, of German and European support, and reiterated the shared belief that the success of ongoing institutional reform efforts within the United Nations would depend first and foremost on "staying power".
Alongside preparations for the Middle East Quartet's evening meeting, the talks focused on Iran's nuclear policy, the situation in Afghanistan and the process to establish the future status of Kosovo. In light of global challenges, the Secretary-General emphasized the vital role of close cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations.
The work within the United Nations is of central importance to the Federal Government. Germany today is the third largest contributor to the UN budget and home to a number of UN secretariats and institutions, the majority of which are based in Bonn. The Secretary-General's visit to Germany is his first since entering office at the beginning of the year. The Federal Foreign Minister had also invited Mr Ban to make an official state visit to the country during his last trip to Germany in December 2006.
