Bali, Indonesia: Secretary-General''s remarks to the press [Q&A below]
United Nations Secretary-General, Off the Cuff: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
We have just concluded this 4th ASEAN-UN Summit, and I have finished my own individual meetings with many regional leaders.
The United Nations and ASEAN have history of close partnership. Today we agreed to broaden and deepen that partnership. And it is a partnership that will be critically needed in our troubled times.
Everywhere, we are seeing the effects of the global economic crisis. In many countries there is growing public protest. People are unhappy at their diminished prospects. They are angered by the growing gap between rich and poor.
By contrast, Asia is thriving. The economies of ASEAN nations continue to grow. Million of people have been lifted out of poverty many more will be.
Yet there is a paradox.
Secretary-General's remarks at press stakeout with Thai Prime Minister (Q&A below)
United Nations Secretary-General, Off the Cuff:
Thank you, Madame Prime Minister.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Sawatdee khrap!
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, I am very honoured and happy to be back in Thailand.
The United Nations and Thailand have a long and enduring partnership. I am here to strengthen that partnership.
Bangkok is our Asian headquarters. I thank the Thai Government and the people of this city for being such wonderful hosts.
I am visiting this country at a time when the city and the country are coping with the worst flooding in decades and I have been deeply affected by the images of what Thai people are going through.
The United Nations is working closely with disaster management authorities.