Biden Meets UN Secretary-General

United States President Joe Biden on Monday met with the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Gatekeepers News reports that Biden reaffirmed Washington’s strong partnership with the United Nations when he met with Guterres.

The American President and Guterres, according to the official readout of the meeting which was released by the White House, on September 20, stressed that the US and UN partnership is based on common values that include respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms, and international law.

The duo discussed the importance of multilateralism and the defence of democracy and international order based on rules.

The White House noted that Guterres and Biden also spoke on how important it is to cooperate with other UN members to find a lasting solution to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare the international community for future health security threats.

Gatekeepers News reports that other issues the duo discussed included climate change, strengthening food systems and food security, acknowledging humanitarian needs, preventing and mitigating conflict, and promoting and defending human rights globally.

“The President reaffirmed that complex, global challenges can only be addressed by genuinely global solutions, an approach reflected in the President’s vision of building back better, and he emphasized the unique role of the United Nations in delivering prosperity, peace and security for everyone,” the statement added.

Also, at the press briefing, Biden noted that “at this moment, those bonds are more important than ever.”

On his part, UN chief said that he is “delighted” to have the opportunity to meet Biden and noted the US reaffirming a strong commitment to the United Nations and to multilateralism.

Guterres said, “as you have clearly affirmed the strong commitment of the United States to the UN and to multilateralism – a multilateralism that we also want to see reformed, more effective, and more in line with the need to solve the dramatic problems of this world.”

The UN Secretary-General also stressed the importance of cooperation between the US and the UN and called it a ‘fundamental pillar’ for the peacemaking body’s work.