The Director-General congratulated the Government of Uruguay for taking the initiative to establish a Regional Centre (UNESCO category II) on Transboundary Aquifers and Groundwater Management for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is expected to contribute to the implementation of International Hydrological Programme (IHP) activities.
He traveled, though less extensively than John Paul, and presided over Masses that were heavy on Latin, Gregorian chant and the silk brocaded vestments of his pre-Vatican II predecessors.
After meeting with the countries of Group I (Western European and North American States) Group II (Eastern European States), Group IV a (African States), as well as Latin American and Caribbean countries (GRULAC), Irina Bokova met with members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a working lunch.