Abidjan, 29 October 2013...The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, this evening, welcomed the head of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) at Abidjan international airport, on his arrival to participate in a retreat to mark the golden jubilee of the African Union.



Giving his first impressions to members of the Press, Mr. Ladsous said he was happy to return to Côte d'Ivoire. "{It is important for this meeting to

be held here in a country that has gone through a major crisis, but which, under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, has overcome many difficulties and is resolutely marching towards progress. This is very significant}," said the head of DPKO.



"{This is also for me an opportunity to visit the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, who is doing a formidable job with the UNOCI team}," said Mr. Ladsous, adding that his visit was also an opportunity to work with UNOCI.



This is the second time that the head of DPKO has visited Côte d'Ivoire. The first visit was in June 2012.