The Secretary-General met with President Fernando Lugo of Paraguay today, 21 September. They discussed the country's progress on the MDGs and regional efforts to address inequality. Paraguay's important contribution to UN operations in Haiti was stressed. The Secretary-General thanked Paraguay for its leadership in designating 30 July as the World Day of Friendship. He hoped that under Paraguay's upcoming presidency of UNASUR, the region would continue to work closely with the United Nations.