Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to welcome to the United States Dr. Kamil Idris, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property…”

“I rise today to welcome to the United States Dr. Kamil Idris, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As many of my colleagues know, Dr. Idris was elected Director General in November 1997, succeeding Dr. Arpad Bogsch, who served in that capacity for 25 years. As Director General, Dr. Idris is responsible for overseeing WIPO's strong efforts in promoting intellectual property protection across the globe. Dr. Idris has had a long and distinguished diplomatic career on behalf of his native Sudan. He is particularly well-known in international intellectual property circles through his 16 years of effective service to WIPO, most recently as Deputy Director General. I was pleased to visit with Dr. Idris informally shortly after his election as Director General and once again wish him success in his new position. I would note that Dr. Idris is taking the helm of WIPO at a critical juncture in the evolution of international intellectual property protection.”