The Inter-American Development hosted a plenary session of the World Affairs Councils of America, a non-partisan international affairs organization that recently held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Inaugurated by U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Organization of American States, WACA’s gathering had as its central theme the future of the Americas in its political, social, and economic dimensions. Academic and political leaders addressed more than 350 participants attending the meeting’s events.
IDB President Enrique V. Iglesias welcomed the participants on Thursday and saluted WACA’s goal of educating and engaging American citizens on the relationship between the United States and the world. WACA has 82 councils across the country and more than 400,000 members.
Iglesias highlighted the importance of President Bush’s reaffirmation of the priority that his administration assigns to relations in the Western Hemisphere, as well as his decision to explore new trade agreements with Central America.
He added that the U.S. president’s words of support for Argentina were very positive and constituted significant encouragement for finding a solution to the serious financial crisis in that country.
The IDB is committed to adding its efforts to those of the international financial community to support Argentina, Iglesias said.