NEW YORK - On a round-the-world trip to promote peace that included cycling 7,000 miles from Istanbul, an Afghan father and son arrived Friday morning at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the final destination of the first leg of this epic journey.

Calling their mission, which has so far crossed three continents, “a journey of peace and solidarity,” Nader Shah Nangarhari and his son Firoz Khan began their journey in July 2015.

They met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, presenting him with a traditional Afghan ‘Chapan’ coat.

“You have been sending out a strong message to many people around the world with your bicycling [...] It’s a very powerful message [...] I really appreciate it,” Mr. Ban told the cyclists.

The pair said they hope that their journey will promote the importance of harmony in their homeland.

"We the people of Afghanistan are tired from war,” said 18-year-old Firoz Khan.

“We just want peace, education and unity in Afghanistan.”

Watch the video (1:46) of this story.

Source: UN News Centre