Global perspective Human stories

Secretary-General to begin two-weeks of visits: first to Austria and then to Asia

Secretary-General to begin two-weeks of visits: first to Austria and then to Asia

media:entermedia_image:3368b6e5-2c87-4110-9dd9-0ec2aaf006a0
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will begin more than two weeks of official visits on Wednesday, traveling first to Austria and then starting a tour of Asia that will take in the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Viet Nam and finally Thailand, a UN spokesman announced today.

In Vienna, Mr. Annan is expected to deliver a keynote address at the opening session of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters, adding that the UN leader also plans to meet with the Federal Chancellor, Federal President and Foreign Minister.

In Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing, Mr. Annan will meet with top government officials as well as with students from leading universities, before travelling on to Hanoi, where his is expected to meet with Viet Nam’s President and other senior officials.

Concluding his stay in Asia, the Secretary-General will address a High-Level Panel on Human Development in Bangkok, where he will also meet with senior government officials and have an audience with the King, his spokesman said.

Mr. Annan will return to New York on the last weekend of this month.