Madam Chairperson,
Since this is the first occasion that I am taking the floor to address the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice, I would at the outset, like to avail myself of this opportunity to sincerely thank the authorities of the host country, Brazil for the warm hospitality accorded to all of us delegates and participants since our arrival in Salvador and the excellent arrangements made in organizing this important Congress.
Coinciding with the Call by the “Jewel of Muscat” at the Port of Galle, bilateral consultations took place also in Galle between the Foreign Ministries of Sri Lanka and of Oman.
Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to Dr. Juan Carretero, Director of the Centro de Estudios sobre Asia y Oceania, for having given me this opportunity to address this gathering of dignitaries, academics, researchers, diplomats, and friends! I also wish to thank Dr. Eduardo Regalado, Deputy Director, and Ms. Claudia Gonzalez, Researcher, for their contribution and help.