国际英语新闻：EU, UN are natural allies, says UN chief

BRUSSELS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are natural allies, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday.

Ban paid his first official visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Tuesday, as part of a range of events marking the week for combating poverty.

In his address, Ban called on EU member states to show their solidarity and leadership, as he believes the best way to tackle global challenges is to work all together.

"This is the time for delivering action," he said. "If we share the burden, we will share the benefits."

According to the UN chief, the world faces three global challenges, namely tackling extreme poverty around the world, confronting climate change, and building a world free of nuclear weapons.

To achieve the Millennium Development Goals, Ban said the EU and the UN need to boost resources and accountability, while also promoting growth, decent work, clean energy and innovation.

He also stressed the need to capture progress at the forthcoming UN climate conference to be held in Cancun, Mexico in November, and to bridge the gap between developing and industrialized countries by providing fast-track financing.

"The more we delay, the more we will have to pay in competitiveness, in resources and in human lives," he said.

"We are living in an interconnected world with interconnected challenges. No country can do it alone," Ban added.