Honourable delegates,
Portugal is now hosting the 24th meeting of the EUTELSAT's Assembly of Parties, at a time when the Organization is adopting a new way of doing business, in an environment of increasingly rapid globalization of markets and, most important, a move towards world-wide liberalization.
EUTELSAT is taking up the challenge of the globalization of satellite communications by creating a more flexible and business oriented structure, which will enable it to move faster and respond quicker to a more and more demanding market, whilst maintaining its European character.
EUTELSAT knows where it is heading for. And that is the reason why I am confident about the success of this meeting of the Assembly of Parties.
Aware of this, allow me to extend a warm welcome to all those participating in the meeting and to wish you all a pleasant stay in our country.
Chairman of ICP
Fernando Mendes
