of minority fellows through training on the UN human rights machinery and the mechanisms dealing with minority rights issues in particular, and I should like to welcome the presence of a number of former and current fellows in this forum. Through the leading role the OHCHR plays in the Inter-Agency Group on Minorities, we foster international cooperation on minority issues between the UN agencies in order to ensure that we all contribute, in coordination and cooperation, to the realization of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen Your discussions over the next two days will contribute to consolidate our common efforts towards the protection of minorities all over the world. On behalf of the High Commissioner and her Office, I would like to wish you a fruitful meeting and assure you of our continuing support and partnership. 5