India committed to achieving Millennium Development Goals, Krishna tells Moon

New Delhi, Apr 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Friday said India is committed to achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

While welcoming United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon here, Krishna said: "As a democracy with a firm commitment to human welfare and socio-economic development, including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals we appreciate your efforts to build bridges between developing and developed countries and give voice to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people," said Krishna.

Krishna further reiterated New Delhi's commitment towards working closely on global issues of peace and development.

"As a mark of our firm commitment to multilateralism, India places great importance on working closely with you on the various global issues of peace and development," he added.

Expressing concern over the developments taking place in the Middle-East, Krishna showed India's willingness to work alongside the UN.

"The winds of change in the Middle-East, the worrisome situation in Syria, the dispute between Sudan and South-Sudan, the situation in Afghanistan are all issues where you have taken keen interest, and we look forward to work with the UN," said Krishna.

He also extended India's cooperation in fight against piracy and sustainable development.

"The fight against piracy, the need for international cooperation in counter-terrorism and the forthcoming major negotiations on sustainable development are for us a matter of priority. We look towards the UN, with its unique legitimacy as a universal forum, in facing these global challenges," said Krishna.

Secretary General Moon, who is on a three-day official visit to India, is accompanied by his wife, Ban Soon-taek and a high-level delegation.

Earlier on Friday, he met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and discussed global geopolitical issues as well as New Delhi's pitch to reform the UN body, including the expansion of the UN Security Council.

The Secretary General was also conferred an honorary doctorate today by Jamia Millia Islamia.

On April 28, the Secretary General will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. He is also scheduled to visit some UN development projects in Mumbai and participate in a Millennium Development Goals related event.

This is his third visit to India after becoming Secretary General in January 2007. (ANI)