UN chief to visit Brussels amid EU migrant crisis

(UNITED NATIONS) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will travel to Brussels later this month to address the European parliament, as Europe seeks international cooperation to cope with the Mediterranean migrant crisis.

Ban will also hold talks with EU leaders during the visit on May 26, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday.

The UN chief will also travel to South Korea on Monday, Vietnam on May 22 and Ireland on May 24 before heading to Brussels.

The secretary-general has urged Europe not to focus on military response to the migrant crisis that would put heavy emphasis on stopping migrant smugglers and called for a improved rescue at sea.

He has also called for Europe to create more safe havens for asylum-seekers fleeing conflict and poverty.

The visit to Brussels was announced after EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini appealed to the UN Security Council to back Europe's efforts to deal with the crisis.