2 October 2000

The President met with the Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Mr. Daudi Ngelautuwa Mwakawago. The President discussed with the Ambassador African development issues, such as refugees and the upcoming conference for Least Developed Countries, as well as the follow-up to the Millennium Summit.

During his meeting with the President the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo, discussed issues related to the Africa Working Group. Also the follow-up to the Summit and consideration of the Brahimi Report were among topics discussed.

The President met with H. E. Ambassador Neroni Slade of the Independent State of Samoa, representative of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) group and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Some priority issues concerning the development of SIDS were discussed. Also the United Nations Consultative Informal Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) was discussed from the point of view of Ambassador Slade being one of the two co-chairs of the process.

Mr. Holkeri attended a luncheon hosted by the Permanent Representative of Germany, H.E. Dr. Dieter Kastrup, and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany, H.E. Dr. Hanns Heinrich Schumacher. They discussed the follow-up to the Summit, consideration of the Brahimi Report and the Security Council reform.

The President issued a statement today in observance of World Habitat Day emphasising the importance of women's role in urban government. The full text of the statement is available on the "Statements and Messages" page.

Later in the day Mr. Holkeri attended the launch of the book related to the 4th United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Institute of Policy Studies and Japan Institute of International Affairs (IIA) Conference on "The Nexus Between Peacekeeping and Peace-Building".

In the evening, the President attended a reception hosted by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Sotirios Zackheos on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.