Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier sent the following congratulatory letter to Irina Bokova today (16 October) on her election as UNESCO’s new Director-General:

“Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as Director-General of UNESCO. The tremendous election result shows the great level of support you will have in addressing your new task. I am particularly pleased that you are the first woman from the Eastern European Group to be elected to head UNESCO.

I was also interested to hear that you intend to continue with dedication the reform process launched by your predecessor and to give UNESCO a positive image and clear profile to the outside world. Germany will do all it can to support you in this endeavour. You can also count on the commitment of your German UNESCO staff members to work towards making your vision a reality.

I wish you plenty of stamina and every possible success in mastering the challenges that lie ahead of you.”