UN General Assembly
1969

41. Madam President, it has been ten years since I last took part in the deliberations of the General Assembly. I consider it a privilege to return to this rostrum as leader of the Philippine delegation and in that capacity to extend to you my sincere felicitations on your election to the highest office attainable in this distinguished body. 42. Twenty years ago, as President of the fourth session of the General Assembly, I had the great honour of occupying the same exalted position. I remember it as a unique vantage point, providing an exhilarating view of the state of the world. But it is also the point of convergence of the world’s problems. I know from experience what a lonely eminence the office of President can be and how heavy its burdens can become. My assurance, therefore, of the unstinting support and co-operation of ‘my delegation is more than a ritualistic gesture. It is a token of recognition of the magnitude of your task and an expression of earnest