UN General Assembly
2009

I feel highly honoured to address the Assembly once again. I would like to start by congratulating Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session and to assure him of my delegation’s support and cooperation as he performs the demanding task of presiding over our deliberations. Through him, I would also like to convey my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Monsignor Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann for the efficient and effective manner in which he conducted the previous session. In addition, my appreciation goes to the Secretary- General for his comprehensive account of the work of the Organization and his analysis of the challenges facing the global community. The theme for this year’s session is apt and timely. It is only through dialogue among the various 09-52320 18 civilizations of the world represented in this deliberative body and the strengthening of the institutions and architecture responsible for promoting such dialogue that we can effectively meet the challenges posed by the current global crisis. Dialogue promotes understanding; understanding enhances