United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the appointment of the first president of the European Union, and the organization's foreign affairs representative.

Herman van Rompuy

Herman van Rompuy (von rrrom pie), the Prime Minister of Belgium, was selected to head the 27-member body; and Catherine Ashton of the United Kingdom was chosen as European Union high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

In a statement on Friday, Mr. Ban said he looks forward to working closely with both Mr. van Rompuy and Ms. Ashton in strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations.

Michele Montas is spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General:

"With the Lisbon Treaty soon entering into force, the Secretary-General hopes that the process of EU integration, which has already brought peace, security and prosperity to the continent, will further strengthen the European Union's support for global efforts in the areas of peace, security, human rights and sustainable development."

According to the European Union, the December 2007 Lisbon Treaty will provide the EU with simplified working methods and voting rules, and streamlined and modern institutions, among other points. It enters into force this December.

Mr. van Rompuy will serve for two-and-a-half years, replacing the previous rotating presidency system where a member state chaired major EU meetings for a six-month period.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'27")