The visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon today met the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. Several multi-lateral issues of mutual concern and UN funded projects came up for discussion in the meeting. He is on a four day visit to India.

Ahead of his visit to New Delhi Mr.Moon expressed hope that security council's reform process will be accelerated to meet the expectations of countries like India. Mr.Moon said these countries are keen to play a bigger role as members of the powerful UN body.

Mr.Moon had a meeting with Union Health Minister Mr.Gulam Nabi Azad last evening. The health Minister urged Ban Ki Moon to ask member nations of the world body not to cut down financial and technical support to public health initiatives.

Mr.Moon recalled his long association with India and said he would like to showcase New Delhi's experiences and practices in dealing with maternal and child health issues so that other countries follow.

He hailed India's success in combating polio and said the United Nations keen to help New Delhi in dealing with measles, tetanus, malaria, polio and HIV.

Mr.Azad briefed Ban Ki Moon about the National Aids Control Programmes with 100 per cent central funding. This he said, has helped in reducing new HIV infections by over 56 per cent during the last decade.

Moon will also visit Mumbai tomorrow to meet the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and visit some UN development projects. This is the third visit of UN Secretary General to India after he assumed the office.