NEW YORK, 28 April 2015 – Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, called on Mr. Sam Kutesa, President of the General Assembly for the 69^th session, to exchange views on Philippine interests and priorities in the UN, as well as on a broad range of pressing international issues.

The two discussed issues of mutual interest including climate change, the post-2015 development agenda, financing for development, as well as revitalization of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

They also talked about the prospects of having a female UN Secretary-General, one that the Philippines has strongly supported and called for in various UN fora.

Mr. Kutesa also expressed hope that the Philippines will participate at the Finance Ministers level in the upcoming Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 13-16 July 2015.

Ambassador Yparraguirre and PGA Kutesa exchange views on a host of global issues and Philippine priorities for the current session of the General Assembly

Mr. Kutesa was elected President of the United Nations General Assembly on 11 June 2014. He previously served as Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2005. His other priority areas for the session include advancing gender equality and empowerment of women, strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, peaceful settlement of disputes and peacebuilding, and enhancing the role of the UN Alliance of Civilizations. END

 (Photos from the Office of the President of the General Assembly)