PRESENTATION OF THE LETTER OF APPOINTMENT OF H.E. DATUK OTHMAN HASHIM TO H.E. SERGEI A. ORDZHONIKIDZE

H.E. Datuk Othman Hashim called H.E. Sergei A. Ordzhonikidze Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) on the 9 February 2009 to present his letter of appointment. The Director-General (DG) congratulated Y.Bhg. Datuk Othman Hashim on his appointment and assured his personal support in the fulfillment of the newly appointed Malaysian Permanent Representative’s duties in Geneva.

During the presentation of credential the DG Ordzhonikidze related that the main agenda of his office in Geneva was to streamline system-wide coherence of work and issues, pursuant to the Outcome Document on UN Reform adopted at the 2005 World Summit in New York. This he related was a great challenge as the United Nations system in Geneva includes a large number of intergovernmental organizations, specialized agencies, programmes, funds, offices and research institutes. H.E. Ordzhonikidze impressed the need that Missions via the Foreign Ministry should facilitate such efforts of streamline system-wide coherence by enhancing effective coordination among government ministries and agencies in the various areas of interest.

H.E. Ordzhonikidze also affirmed the importance of coordination between Missions in Geneva and the Mission in New York so as to ensure a more coherent position on issues. He stated that most of the technical work conducted throughout the year by UNOG would eventually be further discussed and adopted at the General Assembly in New York. Lack of coordination however has resulted in instances where discussions would take a different spin in New York.

Y.Bhg. Datuk Othman intimated expressions of appreciation at the cooperation extended to the Malaysian Mission by the United Nations Office in Geneva. Malaysia expressed hope that such enriched relations would continue and will be further strengthened. Y.Bhg. Datuk Othman assured the DG that given Malaysia’s strong commitment to multilateralism, Malaysia will continue to play an active role in all issues of interest and concern, particularly on the serious efforts undertaken by the DG’s office to ensure greater system-wide coherence among the UN agencies in Geneva.

GENEVA 9 FEBRUARY 2009

PRESENTATION OF THE LETTER OF APPOINTMENT OF H.E. DATUK OTHMAN HASHIM TO H.E. SERGEI A. ORDZHONIKIDZE, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE IN GENEVA, 9 FEBRUARY 2009