UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warmly congratulated President Barack Obama on his election for a second term, with the hope of continuing US cooperation in addressing global challenges. “The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing to work with President Obama and his administration in the spirit of the enduring partnership between the US and the UN,” UN spokesman Matin Nesirky said in a statement issued within hours of the US leader’s victory. “Many challenges lie ahead - from ending the bloodshed in Syria, to getting the Middle East peace process back on track, to promoting sustainable development and tackling the challenges posed by climate change. All will require strong multilateral cooperation,” the statement said.