Mr Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary-General APT
Mr R N Jha, Chairman APT Preparatory meeting for PP-14
Distinguished colleagues
Ladies and gentlemen,

It has been a pleasure for me to be with you for the conclusion of this the final preparatory meeting for the Plenipotentiary Conference.

My thanks again to Secretary-General Mr Yamada for inviting ITU to participate in these meetings, and my congratulations to you on developing so many important contributions to PP-14.

We are very grateful for the great effort this region has made in preparing for the PP-14, which will be held in this region for the first time. This is a very large and diverse region, and your deliberations are a good indicator of the discussions at the conference.

As Director of TSB I was particularly pleased to see the proposals on Resolution 183, since last year we adopted the first of many standards for e-health equipment, and the proposals to amend Resolution 169. 47 Universities have now joined ITU-T and many are actively participating in our work.

I would also like to thank Mr Yamada for the excellent collaboration we have enjoyed with APT Secretariat. We have organized collaborated on and organized many joint events such as next week we are collaborating with APT on an ITU Regional Standardization Forum on Monday and an APT/ITU Conformance and Interoperability event on Tuesday.

In closing, let me also congratulate the leadership of the APT Preparatory Group for ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2014, in particular the Chairman Mr R N Jha, and Vice-Chairmen Mr Kavouss Arasteh and Mr Sang Hak Lee for their tireless efforts in achieving common positions within the region as well their willingness to work with other regions.

I am sure that the ITU tradition to work towards consensus-based outcomes – achieved through a willingness to compromise and take account of all interests - will ensure a successful outcome.

The Secretariat will be there to make every effort to support and assist you.

Thank you and see you in Busan.