I send warm greetings to all participants in this first closed-door seminar of the Coordination and Consulting committee on International Security Cooperation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. I welcome this initiative to strengthen cooperation among States, taken by the General Commander of the Beijing Olympic Security Command Centre and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security. Let me also express gratitude for the support provided by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute within the framework of the International Permanent Observatory during Major Events.

This seminar is an excellent opportunity to develop a common vision for security during major events, and to improve our knowledge on structures and approaches to organizing and planning among Member States. It is thus an occasion not only to enhance sharing of expertise and information in the planning of the Beijing Games; it is also a way to build and strengthen long-term collaboration among Member States, including on security governance and counter-terrorism. In this way, we can forge enduring partnerships and give full effect to the spirit of the last year's resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which encouraged Member States to take advantage of the International Permanent Observatory on security measures during major events.

You are on the front line of a groundbreaking effort, and I know you will bring to it all your experience and innovative thinking. In that spirit, I thank all of you for your commitment, and wish you a most productive meeting.