Statement to the press upon departure (unofficial transcript)

I have had a very, very good visit. I am sorry my stay here was so short. I didn't get to see as much as I would have liked to see.

But I've had very good discussions with the Prime Minister, with the Foreign Minister and others. And I had the opportunity of visiting the Peacekeeping Training Centre, and met many Bangladeshi Officers who have served with [UN] peacekeeping [missions], as well as the widows of some of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the cause of peace, and some of their children.

One thing that is certain is, having seen what we have seen and how interesting your country is, we will come back. My wife and I were saying this morning that we should try and come back and stay for a longer period and see more of your beautiful country.

But as I leave I think we have strengthened the bond between the United Nations and Bangladesh, which has always been strong, and I am extremely grateful to the government and the people of this country for their support and the role they have played and are playing in the affairs of the United Nations.

Thank you very much.

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