New York, 30 September 2014
H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, President of the GA and His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See
The President of the General Assembly holds more bilateral meetings as the General Debate is about to conclude.
On the penultimate day of the 69th session’s General Debate, H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, President of the General Assembly (PGA) met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. The PGA and the Cardinal discussed important issues on the agenda of the 69th Session. The Vatican Secretary of State briefed the PGA on the recent visit of the Holy Father to Asia and indicated the Pope’s intention to visit Africa in 2015. In relation to the Post-2015 Development Agenda, both the PGA and the Cardinal underscored Pope Francis’ message and strong commitment to end poverty and promote a better life for all peoples. They also emphasized that all religious groups have the responsibility of promoting peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
President Kutesa and H.E Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba
President Kutesa met with H.E Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. The Cuban Foreign Minister and the PGA discussed the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. They also exchanged views on upcoming items on the agenda of the General Assembly, mainly as they relate to trade and integration in the Caribbean and Latin America and between these sub-regions and other regions of the world. The PGA expressed his appreciation and thanked Cuba for its contribution and efforts to assist countries affected by the Ebola outbreak. The Foreign Minister of Cuba stated that his country looks forward to close cooperation with the Office of the PGA on the priorities of the 69th session, including the Post-2015 Development Agenda and climate change.
President Kutesa and H.E Ms. Aurelia Frick, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein
The PGA also met with H.E Ms. Aurelia Frick, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein. They exchanged views on international justice, which, according to Minister Frick is a top priority for Liechtenstein’s foreign policy. The Lichtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the General Assembly highlighted the importance of human rights, accountability and the rule of law in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. PGA underscored the positive impact of women empowerment on development and economic growth.
President Kutesa and H.E Mr. Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel
President Kutesa met with H.E Mr. Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. They discussed important developments related to international peace and security, including peacekeeping, disarmament, the threat of terrorism, and other developments in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The Foreign Minister of Israel and the President of the General Assembly exchanged views on upcoming proceedings and other important topics to be discussed during the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Kutesa and Mr. Vuk Jeremić, former President of the GA (67th session)
Mr. Vuk Jeremić, a former PGA who presided over the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly paid a courtesy call to the President of the 69th session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa. Mr. Jeremić congratulated Mr. Kutesa on his election as PGA. The President of the General Assembly thanked Mr. Jeremić for his contribution.
On Sunday 28 September 2014 at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York – fourth largest Christian church in the world- the President the United Nations General Assembly attended a worship service commemorating the Opening of the 69th Session. The Very Reverend Dr. James A. Kowalski was Celebrant. Citizens from many nations and several Permanent Representatives of Member States attended the function.
Today, Tuesday 30 September 2014, President Kutesa will deliver a statement at the General Assembly at the conclusion of the General Debate. Tomorrow, he will hold a press conference in New York to take stock of the high-level deliberations so far.
