Merkel stressed Germany's interest in continuing to support the work of the UN: "We are firmly convinced that the United Nations must be the one institution in the world accepted as the voice of the international community."
She indicated that Germany will do what it can to help the Secretary-General address the issues being faced, assisted by the Security Council and the General Assembly, including the task of reforming the UN organization.
EU and G8 presidencies seen as an opportunity
Merkel announced that there will be close cooperation with the UN during Germany's double presidency in 2007: "I hope that the UN will help resolve the problems of the world with a voice that is as strong and united as possible."
Germany active in the UN
Ban thanked Merkel for Germany's active engagement in the UN framework, including humanitarian projects, peacekeeping, and human rights advocacy.
The Secretary-General-designate referred to a whole series of development programs in Africa and other parts of the world in which Germany has played an important and prominent role. He expressed his hope and confidence that the German government will continue on in this vein in the future.
Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier met with Ban for an exchange of views focused on multilateral and current international issues.
Steinmeier extended an invitation to Ban to visit the offices of UN suborganizations in Bonn, which the latter accepted.
Profile of UN Secretary-General-designate Ban Ki-Moon
Ban entered the Korean foreign service in 1970. His postings as a diplomat included New Delhi, New York, and Washington.
From 1990 to 1992 he served as Director-General of North American Affairs at the ministry in Seoul.
From 1998 to 2000 he was Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna (e.g. the International Atomic Energy Agency).
From 2001 to 2002 he was Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations in New York, during which time he also served as chef-de-cabinet to the President of the UN General Assembly.
From 2003 to 2004 he was foreign policy adviser to the President of Korea and from 2004 to 2006 Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs.
