UN General Assembly
1969

51. The fact that you, Madam President, a daughter of Africa, should have been elected to preside over the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly at such a decisive moment in the history of mankind makes us, as Africans, all the more moved and adds still greater warmth to our congratulations. The delegation of Madagascar fully appreciates the magnitude and scope of your task and the significance of such a choice by this Assembly. Your experience of international life and your great talents will undoubtedly help to bring about in this forum the atmosphere of serenity with which we should like all our work to be imbued. We are also glad to welcome you as the worthy representative of a sister country, Liberia, with which Madagascar maintains the friendliest of relations. The delegation of Madagascar believes that, under your guidance, the problems of the developing countries will be considered with particular attention. 52. Your lamented predecessor as President, Mr. Arenales, whose loss we keenly feel, took a very special interest in