UN chief congratulates Spain's new king

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Felipe VI on his coronation as the new king of Spain, media reported Friday.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson Thursday night, Ban wished Felipe VI and Queen Letizia success in fulfilling their responsibilities, Xinhua reported.

"The Secretary-General is grateful for the royal couple's active engagement in the areas of sustainable development, promotion of human rights, and fostering of dialogue among civilisations," the statement said.

The UN chief also paid tribute to the "outstanding public service" former King Juan Carlos had rendered for the past four decades and expressed his best wishes to him and Queen Sofia.

"He looks forward to continuing the close cooperation between the UN and the Kingdom of Spain in efforts to address pressing global challenges," said the statement.

Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbon y Grecia was sworn-in as the new king Thursday at the Spanish parliament after his father abdicated the throne.