Mr. Chairman,
First let me tell you what a pleasure it is for me to be here in Tarawa to represent France and also the European Union, of which our country currently holds the presidency.
On behalf of my government and also in a personal capacity I would like to convey our most sincere congratulations to President Tito on his accession to the presidency of the South Pacific Forum and to convey to him our best wishes for every success in his mission.
I was very touched by the warm welcome we received in this magnificent country and I would like to thank the Kiribati authorities for the way in which this dialogue was organized.