At the beginning of this General Assembly, we would like to express our sympathy to the President of the Korean Dental Association, and our Korean colleagues. We apologize for any misunderstandings that may have occurred during complex negotiations and renegotiations regarding holding the AWDC in Seoul in 2013.
 

It was for external reasons, and circumstances which were not in the control of either the FDI or KDA, that led to the decision that we would not be able to host our next congress in Seoul in 2013 as this was originally planned.

Council was mindful of the direction given by the General Assembly when congress matters were discussed in Salvador.
 

The KDA’s efforts in the bidding process and in the planning of this congress are recognised and appreciated.
Unfortunately, circumstances did not allow their good work to be completed. We very much regret that Council had to make such a decision as we highly respect KDA who have been a solid and faithful member of FDI.
 

As you will hear today, we have a new model for the congress which will bring much more transparency and clarity in the decision making process and it is our strong wish that this new model will offer KDA the opportunity to host in a congress in the near future.
 

We hope this will not affect the exemplar relations between KDA and FDI, and we are looking forward to continue a strong partnership between KDA and FDI.