WELCOME ADDRESS
FICAC PRESIDENT ARNOLD FOOTE
I stand before you today, proud and happy and so privileged to be part of the 9th World Congress of Consuls being held here in Izmir, the most beautiful city in the Republic of Turkey.
We are most appreciative that His Excellency Mr. Cahit Kirac, the Governor of Izmir, has taken time out of his very busy schedule to add his presence, to address us, and declare the 9th World Congress of Consuls officially open.
This is a great honour. Thank you very much Your Excellency.
I also wish to extend a special welcome to all the dignitaries who are with us today.
I cannot thank enough, the President of the Consular Corps of Turkey, Hon. Turgut Koyuncoglu, the Chairman of the FICAC Organizing Committee of the 9th World Congress of Consuls, Hon. Aykut Eken, and the people of Izmir, for the graciousness and hospitality that we have all received from the moment we arrived. The logistics, the preparation, the setting, the atmosphere and the attendance at the World Congress of Consuls 2009, are excellent.
On behalf of the World Federation of Consuls, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the 9th World Congress of Consuls. This Congress gives us the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of existing friendships, as well as form new friendships and develop a deeper understanding between the countries we have the honour to represent. This is important as the advances in technology and communication have reduced the world to what is now described as a global village.
Living in this environment demands an interdependency between countries which has significantly changed the way we think and relate to each other.
As Consuls representing countries worldwide, this has placed and continues to place, a tremendous responsibility on us. The policies and programmes that our countries adapt will impact on the kind of world that will emerge. Our decisions and advice, and reports given to our Governments, must therefore be based on sound, well researched information.
Our work in this modern world has taken on new and significant dimensions. Despite e-mails, web cameras and video conferencing, there is no substitute for meeting someone face to face and making personal acquaintances, building on the networks and friendships that we already have, and making new friends and contacts. That process can only increase our effectiveness in the roles that we have been called upon to play. That is one of the many opportunities that we have in Izmir over the next few days.
And so I welcome you, I thank you for coming, I know that you will find it worth your while. Welcome to the 9th World Congress of Consuls 2009.
Thank you very much.
