UN Undersecretary-General and Executive Secretary of the
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Rima Khalaf paid courtesy
visits to Lebanese officials, the first following her appointment as head of
ESCWA.

In
this context, Khalaf met with President of the Republic Michel Suleiman, Prime
Minister Saad Hariri, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Emigrants Ali
Chamio.

The
UN official discussed with Lebanese leaders channels of cooperation, ESCWA's
possible contributions to Lebanese economic development, and future plans in
this regard.

Commenting
on her visits, Khalaf thanked Lebanon for the full support it provided to
ESCWA, saying "this support was not given to UN organizations only, but to
human, economic and social development issues in the Arab region."