I welcome this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Permanent Representative of Djibouti, His Excellency Roble Olhaye.

I extend my deepest condolences to the President of Djibouti, His Excellency Ismae¨l Omar Guelleh, the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and other colleagues in the Foreign Ministry for their loss.

At this time of mourning, we may take some measure of comfort from knowing that he left a lasting legacy based on nearly 30 years of engagement with the United Nations.

Ambassador Olhaye first presented his credentials to Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar in January, 1988. He also represented his country in North America.

He was fondly referred to as the “eternal representative” among permanent representatives. He had great wisdom. We considered him a leading ‘dictionary’ since he knew so much.

During his long career of public service, he made important contributions on issues ranging across the United Nations agenda, helping to advance progress on our core mission of achieving peace, human rights and development.

Ambassador Olhaye showed strong leadership on many occasions, including as President of the Security Council and Chairman of the Haiti Sanctions Committee in 1994 as well as Chairman of the Second Committee of the General Assembly in 1999.

I deeply appreciated his support when I travelled to Djibouti last October. I remember how he helped to make my visit a great success.

Ambassador Olhaye was a passionate champion of Africa and a great believer in the value of the continent’s partnership with the United Nations. Thanks in part to this support, we have strengthened our important bond, making a difference in the lives of millions of people.

Beyond his many diplomatic successes, Ambassador Olhaye was deeply admired for his energy, dedication and sincerity.

He once said that “never forgetting those most in need is the reason why we are here” at the United Nations.

Ambassador Olhaye always remembered the people who were suffering. Let us carry on that spirit as we honour his memory.

Thank you.