The Secretary-General met yesterday with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the situation in Syria. They shared the sense of urgency in advancing the political process and exchanged views on the role of the bilateral Russia-US dialogue in that regard. They also welcomed developments related to improved humanitarian access, the Secretary-General hoping that all besieged areas will soon be reached.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint-Petersburg. Photo: UN/Rick Bajornas

The Secretary-General expressed his concern regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula and they discussed ways to defuse tensions.

The Secretary-General also took the opportunity to thank the Russian Government for signing the Paris Agreement on climate change and expressed his hope for its ratification by the end of the year.

St. Petersburg, 17 June 2016