Thank you for the courteous and friendly words addressed to me by the dean of the diplomatic corps on behalf of all the ambassadors and chargés d’affaires present.
This ceremony we hold at the start of every year is always a pleasant occasion for us to talk and exchange views and information on the relations of friendship and cooperation between us.

I fully share the views expressed by the dean. Apart from some negative and worrying events, the year that has just ended had many positive aspects that are cause for optimism and for hope that we will be able to find the solutions and means to face the difficult situations there will be in 2009.
The international financial crisis and recession affecting the most developed economies have already made themselves felt in all countries, and the circumstances in which they came about and developed warrant deep reflection by us all. It is not just a matter of seeking the causes and ways of overcoming them, but also of drawing lessons from them so as to avoid their future recurrence.

The global nature of economic relations means that, whether directly or indirectly, whether to a lesser or greater degree, and whether or not it is at the epicentre of the crisis, no country can escape the effects.
One clear lesson to be drawn is that crises are not just a problem of the poor, of a lack of good governance and transparency or of corruption; they are not an exclusive shortcoming of less developed countries. They are shortcomings and ills that exist in all human societies.

Good or bad performance depends on honesty, political will and the use of permanent and rigorous mechanisms to control the activities carried out in the course of that performance.

It therefore follows that it is only logical to accept the need for a new approach in dealing with issues related to cooperation, establishing partnerships, dialogue and reciprocal interests; a new approach that rules out selfishness and makes international relations more democratic, fair and equitable.

We also believe that the time has come to find definitive solutions to the many conflicts that still continue in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Some of those conflicts are becoming dangerously worse, giving rise to tragic humanitarian situations that require urgent intervention.
It is not enough to establish provisional truces. There is a need for profound changes in situations that deprive peoples of their most elementary rights as citizens.

The international community - always giving priority to dialogue and seeking mutual agreement - must therefore make united efforts to find the most realistic, appropriate and lasting solutions to the problems that affect and concern humanity. These also include terrorism and illegal trafficking of all kinds, the deterioration of the environment, the big endemic and pandemic diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness, and so forth.

It is therefore the responsibility of each one of us, individually, and all of us together to involve ourselves ever more consciously and effectively in building a world of peace capable of guaranteeing stability, security and wellbeing for all.
I cannot fail to note the great expectations created by the election of the first African American to the presidency of the United States, making it possible to believe that there may be a marked and positive change in the manner in which the biggest world power conducts its foreign policy and relates to other countries in the world.

We sincerely hope that this is the case and that such change will be a reality.
I believe that the issues I have referred to can also help to strengthen the good feelings that characterise political and diplomatic relations with the countries so well represented at this gathering by Your Excellencies.

I ask you to raise your glasses to greet a New Year of peace and prosperity for everyone here.