It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of our former Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Last time I saw him—on the 38th floor in the beginning of this year—he was quite fit. The sad news of his passing is really a shock.
As the Chinese Ambassador and DPR to the UN, I worked very closely with Kofi during his last year of service as Secretary-General, including on the historic Security Council resolution 1701 on Lebanon and Security Council resolutions on Darfur.
When I was serving in Geneva as the Chinese Ambassador and PR, Kofi became a friend whom I met very frequently, especially when he served as the SRSG for Syria which was his last official assignment for the UN.
Kofi helped to transform the UN Secretariat to face the challenges in the 21st century. His reforms led to concrete improvements in the work of the organization in many areas including economic and social issues.
Kofi’s knowledge, experience, vision and wisdom have been a great asset for the UN and the world. Kofi’s dedication, passion and resilience set an example for all UN staff members. Though Kofi has left us, his legacy lives on. We shall remember him forever.
As the Chinese Ambassador and DPR to the UN, I worked very closely with Kofi during his last year of service as Secretary-General, including on the historic Security Council resolution 1701 on Lebanon and Security Council resolutions on Darfur.
When I was serving in Geneva as the Chinese Ambassador and PR, Kofi became a friend whom I met very frequently, especially when he served as the SRSG for Syria which was his last official assignment for the UN.
Kofi helped to transform the UN Secretariat to face the challenges in the 21st century. His reforms led to concrete improvements in the work of the organization in many areas including economic and social issues.
Kofi’s knowledge, experience, vision and wisdom have been a great asset for the UN and the world. Kofi’s dedication, passion and resilience set an example for all UN staff members. Though Kofi has left us, his legacy lives on. We shall remember him forever.
File date:
Monday, August 20, 2018