Page 379 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

but that the quality and role of diplomacy cannot be underestimated. Its
techniques of compromise and reconciliation are the only way to achieve a
balance of interests in the new emerging multi-polar world.

Diplomacy is increasingly emerging as an instrument of good governance
in global and regional affairs. Accordingly, it must adjust itself to meet new
challenges, to become more open, agile and less rigid to fully utilize all oppor-
tunities offered by recent global changes. So far the pace of its transformation
has been inadequate and diplomacy is still adjusting to the new international
environment. The participants of the meeting in preparation for the Millenni-
um Assembly which took place in Geneva last July, made a strong appeal that
the power of diplomacy should prevail over the diplomacy of power.

In conclusion, I wish to say that I am deeply grateful for the visit of Presi-
dent Dreifuss, Federal Councillor Deiss, President of the State Council of
the Republic and Canton of Geneva Brunschwig Graft and the Swiss
Ambassador to the Palais and would like to express the hope that the
mutually enriching partnership that we enjoy with Switzerland will continue
to be enhanced both in quantitative and qualitative terms.

Thank you for your attention.

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