Ban Ki-moon commemorates Brussels bombings at national airport

15.06.2016, BRUSSELS – UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, laid a wreath at Brussels Airport, in the presence of senior Belgian officials and first responders, to commemorate the terrorist bombings in Brussels.

The attack struck at the heart of Belgium and the centre of the European Union on 22 March 2016, killing 32 people and injuring many more.

After the attack, the Secretary-General indicated that he was confident that the commitment of Belgium and Europe to human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence will continue to be the true and lasting response to the hatred and violence.

"This was a heinous attack not only on Belgium, but on all of humanity. The attack, here at the airport and at the metro station, symbolizes this: the one place where all different nationalities congregate.” he said today.

The Secretary-General also commended the first aid workers for their excellent care and resilience immediately after the attacks.

Context of the visit to Belgium

The Secretary-General travelled to Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the European Development Days (EDD’s)organized by the European Commission, where he met with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, and a number of Commissioners and senior officials.

He also met with the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and discussed the decision by the Government to close refugee camps, encouraging the Government to work with the Government of Somalia and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the context of the Tripartite Agreement.

In addition, Mr. Ban received the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold from King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. He also attended an Asia Society Dialogue meeting and participated in an Advisory Board meeting of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.

Whilst at the EDD’s Ban Ki-moon gave a short interview at the UN information stand:

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UN News Centre
EDD 2016
UNHCR
Sustainable Energy for All
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