Sushma Swaraj, UN chief Ban Ki-moon discuss several regional issues

UNITED NATIONS: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon discussed several regional issues including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives during their meeting on the eve of International Day of Yoga here.

Ban had called on Swaraj on the evening of June 20 at the Manhattan hotel where she is staying.

"The Secretary-General and the Minister then exchanged views on a number of regional issues including Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Pakistan," according to a readout of the meeting provided by Ban's office today.

The both leaders noted the broad support and appeal for this particular event, it said.

The Secretary-General and the Minister discussed the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, and the need for India's strong leadership in these fields.

They also discussed the newly released Report of the High-Level Panel on Peace Operations, with the Secretary-General noting India's generous contributions in this area, the statement said.