X ,

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

11 August 1998

Excellency,

I should like to thank you most sincerely for the warm welcome which my delegation and I received during our visit to . We were all touched by the generosity of Portuguese hospitality. In particular, I should like to express my gratitude for the luncheon which you hosted for me in Guimaraes.

The conversations I held during the visit vividly illustrated Portugal's commitment to the United Nations and its strong determination to help the Organization resolve some of the more complex issues on its agenda. In particular, I look forward to our continued cooperation to exploit what you described as the current 'window of opportunity' in order to resolve the protracted issue of . The great concern to settle the conflict in Angola is a source of encouragement as we seek to move ahead on the diplomatic front following the tragic loss of Maitre Beye. 1 was pleased to be able to announce the appointment of his successor during my visit, and I will ensure that Mr. Dialio is aware of Portugal's willingness to contribute actively to the peace process.

Your addresses to the closing session of the World Youth Forum and the opening session of the World Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth showed that Portugal is equally resolved to address the complex social and economic questions of our day.

Please accept, , the assurances of my highest consideration.

KofLA. Annan

His Excellency Mr. Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio President of the Republic of Portugal THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

11 August 1998

Excellency,

I am writing to thank you most warmly for the wonderful hospitality which was shown to my delegation and me during our recent stay in Portugal. I was sincerely touched by the great effort you personally made to help us feel welcome, including through the luncheon which you hosted at Expo '98 and the night-time flight over Lisbon which you were able to arrange for us. The silver dolphin which you presented to me illustrates Portugal's determination to save our oceans, a theme highlighted so well at the Expo.

I left Portugal strengthened in my conviction of its commitment to international cooperation and its support for the work of the United Nations. I look forward to enhancing our collaboration in the search for an early settlement to a number of difficult issues, in particular East Timor, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. With regard to the last, I particularly appreciated hearing your analysis and I pledge that the United Nations will do all it can to help resolve the current situation.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Koft A". Annan

His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres Prime Minister of the Republic of Portugal Lisbon THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

11 August 1998

Excellency.,

I should like to thank you most warmly for the hospitality which was - accorded me and my delegation during our visit to Portugal. I particularly enjoyed the luncheon which you hosted for me after our meeting.

My visit has brought home to me the strong desire of the Portuguese people to see an end to several complex issues on the United Nations' agenda, most notably East Timor, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. I assure you of the Secretariat's determination to promote an early settlement of each, and I look forward to our continued cooperation in this regard.

As I mentioned during our meeting, I am pleased that there are to be national competitive examinations for Portuguese candidates seeking to join the Organization, which will help ensure that your country's strong commitment to the United Nations is reflected in the composition of the staff. I have been impressed by the well-informed and enthusiastic young people I have met here and I have high expectations that those who join us will make a valuable contribution to promoting the goals of the Charter.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Kofi A. Annan

His Excellency Mr. Jaime Gama Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Portugal Lisbon THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

11 August 1998

Dear Mr. Mayor,

I should like to thank you most sincerely for the warm and generous hospitality which you showed my delegation and me during our visit to Oporto. We greatly enjoyed the dinner which you hosted for us, as well as the drive around the city afterwards. You have ever}' right to be proud of such a jewel!

Above all, I am grateful to you for the thoughtful and generous gift of the bottle of 1938 port, as well as for the one which was opened in such an impressive manner before dinner. I shall save the bottle for a particularly special occasion, and I will think of your beautiful city when I sip it.

With my best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Kofi A.

His Honour Dr. Fernando Gomes Mayor Oporto THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

11 August 1998

Dear Antonio,

Now that I and my delegation are leaving Portugal, I should like to say how much we have appreciated our visit. We have been made to feel particularly welcome, and have been touched by the concern which you and your colleagues have shown to ensure that we did not just experience first-hand Portugal's commitment to the United Nations but that we also had time to visit some of its national treasures and benefit from its legendary hospitality.

Please convey our gratitude to your colleagues in the Mission for helping ensure that the visit ran so smoothly.

With my best wishes to Isabel.

Yours sincerely,

Kofi A.cAnnan

His Excellency Mr. Antonio Monteiro Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations Lisbon