India looks forward to work with the United Nations on important international matters, including the worrisome situation in Syria, the dispute between Sudan and South Sudan and the situation in Afghanistan. This was conveyed to the visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon by the External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in a meeting in New Delhi today. Both the leaders also discussed other crucial regional issues.

The official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said that Mr Krishna told the Secretary General that the fight against piracy and the need for international cooperation in counter-terrorism are global challenges to which India attaches priority.

Akbaruddin said Mr Krishna assured the Secretary General of India's committed to the United Nations to strengthen its ability to play a central role in global affairs. Earlier in the day, Mr Ban also met the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and lauded India's efforts on public health and sustainable development.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said he was pleased with the continued efforts to improve the relations between India and Pakistan and it has a broader significance for the region and for global peace. The UN Chief said, he realise there are many outstanding issues but encourage leaders of both the countries to persist with these efforts.

In reply to a question on Kashmir, the UN Secretary General, said he hoped this issue is addressed peacefully without violence and respecting will of the people there. He also said it should be resolved without resorting to any violence and fully respecting the human rights sentiments
there.