SECRETARY-GENERAL'S VISIT TO LUXEMBOURG, 28-29 JANUARY

Press Release
SG/T/2167

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S VISIT TO LUXEMBOURG, 28-29 JANUARY

The Secretary-General arrived in Luxembourg in the evening of Thursday, 28 January. He was welcomed by Jacques F. Poos, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg.

At 9:30 a.m. the following day, he met with Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker; then with Foreign Minister Poos, and with Lydie Err, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Trade Cooperation and Public Works. He then paid a courtesy call to the President of the Parliament, Jean Spautz, which was followed by an audience with Prince Henri, the Lieutenant Representative of the Grand Duke.

He later paid a courtesy call to the Lady Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer.

During these meetings, the Luxembourg authorities expressed their warm appreciation to the Secretary-General for having accepted to include Luxembourg in his schedule. They also stressed the importance of his reform efforts and expressed their admiration and appreciation for all the work he has been doing as Secretary-General. The Secretary-General paid tribute to the Luxembourg Government for their support to the United Nations. He emphasized the importance he attaches to keeping up communication with governments and parliaments of small countries. Their discussions covered Kosovo, Iraq, United Nations reform, Angola, the Great Lakes region of Africa, and the Middle East.

The Secretary-General departed Luxembourg on Friday afternoon for Davos and the World Economic Forum, which he would address on Sunday, 31 January.

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