United Nations, New York, 20 March 2004 – United Nations General Assembly President Julian Robert Hunte
 welcomed and gave his strong support for the efforts of the Philippines to promote greater international
 dialogue when he met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today. Mr. Hunte is the President
 of the 58th UN General Assembly and the former Foreign Minister of Saint Lucia.

 “The Philippines can make a difference in promoting greater peace through dialogue.  This has been the
 firm belief and vision of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and it is under her leadership that we have
 embarked on a number of initiatives to foster and encourage greater international dialogue,” Secretary
 Albert said after her meeting with President Hunte.

 “President Hunte has given his strong support for our efforts within the UN to pursue more meaningful
 dialogue among faiths and cultures to help ease tensions in conflict areas around the world.  He
 agrees that dialogue plays a key role in promoting a better understanding and appreciation of other peoples
 and cultures,” Secretary Albert added.

 “Dialogue is what the UN is all about,” President Hunte told Secretary Albert who had earlier cited her
 experience in Mindanao where she is actively promoting women as partners in peace and development
 through the promotion of dialogue.  The Secretary also cited the recent retreat of East Asian and Latin
 American foreign ministers in Tagaytay where she strongly promoted activities that would promote the process
 of dialogue.

 The Secretary had a 45-minute meeting with President Hunte during her visit to the UN Headquarters on
 Friday.  The Secretary was accompanied by Permanent Representative Lauro L. Baja, Jr., Undersecretary for
 Migrant Workers Affairs Jose S. Brillantes, Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Ariel Y. Abadilla,
 Deputy Permanent Representative Bayani Mercado, Minister Counsellor Leslie Gatan, and Third Secretary
 Elmer Cato. END.