SG: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for such a warm welcome and your compliments for the work I have been doing. It is a great privilege and honour to meet you again.

I remember we had a very good meeting soon after you became Speaker of this Congress, and ever since I have been working, crucially as Secretary-General, with the United States. I regard the partnership between the United States and the United Nations as crucially important in promoting world peace, security, development and human rights. In that regard I highly commend, and respect the leadership shown by Speaker Pelosi in those areas.

I'm here today to continue our discussions with the Speaker on many issues. How we can further strengthen and enhance such a greater and strong partnership. I'm here to speak, discuss with you, and ask for leadership in sealing a deal in Copenhagen in December this year on the Climate Change. I note that you are already in the process of making national legislation on this issue.

I'm here as well to speak about peace and stability in many areas. You have shown such a great concern, and interest, and support for peace in Darfur. Then there is the situation in Sri Lanka. United States involvement and leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan will also be of great importance. In all these areas the United Nations is working crucially with the United States.

In these processes, Congressional support is vitally important. That's why I'm here. I am asking you again for your commitment in providing necessary financial support for peacekeeping operations, and also for many developing countries, for the most vulnerable and the poorest people who really need our support and assistance. The United State can provide such important contributions through your Congressional leadership. Again, thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for such great leadership, I am most appreciative.