India looks forward to work with UN on important global issues

India looks forward to work with the UN on important international matters, including the worrisome situation in Syria, disputes between Sudan and South Sudan and Afghanistan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was told today.

This was conveyed to Ban by External Affairs Minister SM Krishna in a meeting during which both leaders also discussed other crucial regional issues.

Krishna also said that the fight against piracy and international cooperation in counter-terrorism are global challenges to which India attaches priority, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Afairs Syed Akbaruddin said.

The UN secretary general also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during which he lauded India's efforts on public health and sustainable development.

"Welcome back to New Delhi, the city where u (you) began your illustrious diplomatic career 'friend of India'," Akbaruddin quoted Krishna as having said while greeting Ban.