NEW YORK - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the world body’s headquarters in New York. The meeting marked Mr. Ghani’s first visit to the United Nations as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

 The discussion between the Secretary-General and the President focused on the ties Afghanistan is building in the region, as well as trade and economic development. The two leaders discussed the need to respond to humanitarian challenges regarding displaced persons and refugees in the region and the importance of Afghan led and owned peace and reconciliation talks.

ecretary-General underlined the strong historic relationship between Afghanistan and the United Nations and reiterated the world body’s continuing support to the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan.