The general assembly was opened by the president of the European Olympic Committees Mario Pescante, who welcomed representatives of 48 European Olympic committees, delegations from the cities to host future editions of the Olympic Games (Torino 2006, Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010) and representatives of candidate cities for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.
International Olympic Committee President Rogge thanked the president of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Matesa, on the excellent organisation of the meeting in Dubrovnik.
At the end of the morning part of the session, Pescante presented Rogge with the Order Of Merit.
Also present at the opening of the 33rd general session were Croatian Science, Education and Sports Minister Dragan Primorac, International Olympic Committee member Antun Vrdoljak, and Dubrovnik mayor Dubravka Suica.
President Mesic also held talks with Rogge about Croatia's chances to host great international competitions.
During his stay in Dubrovnik, Mesic also met New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, Madrid mayor Albert Ruiz Gallardon and the president of Jordan's Olympic Committee, Prince Feisal al Hussein.