12 September 2000

Mr. Holkeri presided over the first day of the 10-day General Debate, which began with a statement from the United Nations Secretary-General, who emphasised the important role of the General Assembly in putting into action "the bold pledges" made at last week's historic Millennium Summit. Statements were aslo made by the Presidents of Togo and Djibouti. Also speaking were the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs or other representative from Brazil, United States, Djibouti, Guatemala, France (on behalf of the European Union), Nepal, Malta, Monaco, Latvia, Senegal, Kazakhstan, Chile, Finland, Honduras, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria and Colombia.

The President met privately with a number of speakers, including the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Ms. Madeline Albright, who discussed US priorities for the Millennium Assembly. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

During his meeting with the President, the Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Dy Nien, who is also Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), spoke about the need for ASEAN to have a greater role in the work of the United Nations.

During their meeting, the Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, told the President about his recent trip to Finland. He then extended an invitation for the President to visit China.

The President also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Yohei Kono, who likewise extended an invitation for the President to visit his country.

Earlier in the day, the President met with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Louise Frechette, to discuss Secretariat plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations.