US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel hosted UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the Pentagon for the first time during which they discussed issues related to Syria and North Korea, Defence Department spokesperson said.
“The visit marks the first time that a United Nations Secretary-General has visited the Pentagon,” the Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
“The two leaders discussed the heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula and the need for North Korea to live up to its international obligations and commitments as well as the deteriorating security situation in Syria,” Little said in a statement after the meeting.
Noting that Hagel congratulated Ban on his outstanding leadership at the helm of the UN during one of the most turbulent and challenging times in international affairs, Little said the two leaders discussed current and potential future United Nations peace-keeping missions of mutual concern, focusing on the distinctive challenges peace-keepers face in unstable environments.
“The Secretary-General expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the American people for those killed and injured in the recent bombings in Boston,” Little said adding that he also expressed appreciation for the US’ role in peace-keeping.