The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appreciated the role played by India in relief efforts in quake-ravaged Haiti and addressing the issue of climate change. Ban, who attended the Republic Day reception hosted by the Indian mission told PTI that India is a strong partner of the United Nations and the world body is grateful for contributions India has been making to the common causes of the UN. Noting that India is one of the largest troop contributing countries, Ban underlined its role in UN goals of promoting peace, security and human rights.On the occasion, Sri Lankan envoy to the UN, Palitha Kohona, described his country's relations with India as excellent. He expressed the hoped that the bilateral the economic ties will get stronger through the Free Trade Agreement.