In message to Pacific Islands Forum, Annan stresses UN-regional cooperation

At a time when the challenges and opportunities of this age of globalization oblige all countries and regions to strengthen their partnerships, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today stressed the need to increase collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations.

In a message to the 36th Pacific Islands Forum in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, delivered by UN country Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock, Mr. Annan praised the Pacific Plan developed by the Forum, focusing on four priority areas: economic growth, sustainable development, governance and security.

"I commend those efforts and take this opportunity to renew the readiness of the United Nations family to work closely with you in realizing the goals set by the Pacific Plan," he said.

"Together, we can realize our common vision of a peaceful and prosperous 21st century in the Pacific region," he added.