SECRETARY-GENERAL'S TOAST TO CAMEROON'S PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER OF BANGLADESH
Press Release
SG/SM/6095
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S TOAST TO CAMEROON'S PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER OF BANGLADESH
19961024 Following is the text of the toast of Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali at the luncheon in honour of the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, at Headquarters on 24 October:It is my privilege to be with you today and to honour our visiting dignitaries, the President of Cameroon and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. These two leaders, and the peoples of their respective countries, are playing integral roles in our common efforts to address the complex and urgent challenges of our times. President Biya is the current chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), with which the United Nations maintains excellent relations. Later today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will sign the landmark Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Cameroon is also doing its part for nuclear non-proliferation. In April of this year, it was among the signers of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty.
Bangladesh continues its proud participation in United Nations peace- keeping. At this very moment, it is the third leading contributor, with nearly 1,200 Bangladeshi troops, military observers and civilian police stationed around the world -- in Angola, Haiti, Liberia, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslavia and along the Iraq-Kuwait border. I salute these dedicated peace-keepers, and pay tribute to all past Bangladeshi "Blue Helmets", many of whom have given their lives in the name of peace.
Cameroon is also making a major contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. It is one of 11 Central African States which, this past July in Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé, signed a non-aggression pact. Cameroon also provides important support to the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa. The international community is grateful to the Government of Cameroon for all it is doing to avert further conflict in this volatile region.
Cameroon and Bangladesh also share concerns about poverty, debt, trade, official development assistance and the gap between North and South. Let me assure you that the United Nations is vigorously pursuing the international
development agenda. Our current focus is ensuring the best possible follow-up to the recently concluded cycle of world conferences.
As you know, the United Nations is doing more with less. We are adapting to new global realities. We are undergoing comprehensive change and reform. But despite the difficulties, the record of success in recent years is a good one. I remain optimistic that together, we can build on our achievements.
May I therefore propose a toast: To the wise and imaginative leadership of the President of Cameroon and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. I look forward to hearing their respective statements to the General Assembly this afternoon. To greater peace, prosperity and freedom in both countries; and to even more fruitful cooperation and collaboration between Bangladesh, Cameroon and the United Nations towards the betterment of all humankind. Thank you.
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