played an active part in our work over the past two years, contributing to the pursuit of our tasks with his recognized diplomatic skill and professional competence. He has represented his country with the effectiveness of an experienced diplomat, and in addition he served as Chairman of the Conference's Ad hoc Committee on negative security assurances in 1988, an occasion, I repeat, when we were able to appreciate your qualities, Mr. Ambassador. On behalf of the Conference and on my own behalf, I wish to convey to you and your wife our best wishes for personal happiness and professional success, and for meeting us in the future. The last speaker on the list is Mr. Breckon, the representative of the United States, to whom I give the floor. CD/PV.555 15 Mr. BRECKON (United States of America): Mr. President, as we open the summer session of this year's Conference, I would like to extend to you our congratulations upon your assumption of the Conference presidency, and pledge to you my delegation's full co-operation as we proceed with our work. In a similar vein, I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Kamal of Pakistan for his excellent work as Conference President during the last session in April, taking note especially in the area of improved and effective functioning of the Conference. Thanks to your efforts, we are starting to move to make the improvements we all know are necessary. And lastly, may I join in the expressions of welcome to our new colleagues from Brazil, Ambassador Ricupero, from the Federal Republic of Germany, Ambassador von Wagner, and from Norway, Ambassador Vaerntf. The United States delegation looks forward to working closely with you as we move forward in the CD's work. Finally, may I bid farewell on behalf of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech delivered at a conference, specifically mentioning the Conference on Disarmament (CD). The speakers are diplomats from various countries, discussing the conference's work and expressing appreciation for the leadership of the Conference President. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or scientific issues, but rather focuses on diplomatic efforts and the functioning of the conference. This suggests that the topic is related to international relations and diplomacy rather than a specific sector or issue.

**Category**
International relations, Diplomacy