| Date: 28/04/2012 Time: 09:24:00 AM |
As the world's largest democracy, India can
share its success in democratization with the countries of the Middle East,
North Africa and elsewhere, said visiting United Nations Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon.
India is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Ban Ki-moon also stated that as a diverse, pluralistic society, India can
show the way to building inclusive, tolerant societies.
It is a perfect example proving the power of unity in diversity, as when it
succeeds it shows the way forward for other countries, added the UN's topmost
official in a written statement during his four-day official visit.
He thanked the Indian Government and its people for their "strong support"
for the United Nations' goals and objectives and for their warm welcome and
hospitality. "This country is a top contributor to UN peacekeeping, the UN
Democracy Fund and is actively pursuing South-South cooperation," he said.
Laying stress that India can play even a greater role on the public stage,
he said that it has lessons for many other countries. "As a current member of
the Security Council of the UN, India is a leading voice on issues of
international peace and security," he added.
Ban Ki-moon met senior leadership on his first day of visit. He called on
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The two leaders discussed how India could
play an increasing role in global affairs and how to further cement strong
ties India has with the UN.
He also had one-to-one meetings with External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna
and ruling UPA's (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The
leaders delved into various issues ranging from regional security issues to
how India could enhance its role in strengthening the work of the UN in South
Asia, and around the world too.
Ban Ki-moon was also conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree from New
Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia University. Speaking in a lighter vein on the
occasion, he said: "For decades I have been a student of India. Now I finally
have a degree to prove it!" |