UN chief Ban Ki-moon visits homeland

Source: CCTV.com | 07-04-2008 13:43

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has visited his homeland, South Korea, for the first time since taking the top job at the world body last year.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left, and South  Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan pose for a  photograph during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry  in Seoul Friday, July 4, 2008. Ban, a former South Korean  ForeignMinister, returned to his native country for the  first trip during July 3-7 since his inauguration in  January 2007.(AP Photo/Jo Yong-Hak, POOL)

His five-day visit includes meetings with President Lee Myung-bak and other top officials, a series of speeches and a visit to his rural hometown.

During an address at a hotel, Ban said all countries face common challenges such as climate change, global food shortages and fuel price hikes.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon waves upon his arrival  at Seoul University to attend a ceremony for the Conferment  of the Honorary Doctoral Degree in Seoul, South Korea,  Thursday, July 3, 2008. Ban visited his homeland, South  Korea, on Thursday for the first time since taking the  top job at the world body last year.(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Later on Thursday, the UN chief received an honorary doctorate from Seoul National University.

Editor:Du Xiaodan