U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope Wednesday that South Korea's incoming Park Geun-hye administration will take a role in the U.N.'s initiative to address global challenges.

"The Republic of Korea is a highly valued and steadfast partner of the United Nations in the work for international peace and security, development and human rights," Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, using South Korea's formal name.

Ban, formerly South Korea's foreign minister, said he hopes for "even more active engagement" by South Korea in the U.N.'s efforts to promote sustainable development, global peace and human rights as well as fight against climate change.

The U.N. stands ready to work with the new South Korean government in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including addressing the humanitarian, nuclear and other concerns regarding North Korea, he added.

Meanwhile, Ban reiterated his willingness to travel to Pyongyang to help move forward the process if "appropriate conditions" are created.

"I'm ready to visit Pyongyang myself to discuss with the leaders of the DPRK (North Korea) all the issues to help facilitate, first of all, the dialogue, exchange and cooperation between the two parties of Korea," Ban said in an year-end news conference. "And I will do whatever I can." (Yonhap News)