At the end of his 15 day shuttle rounds between Israel and Egypt, Secretary Kissinger returned to Washington, as a special gesture, he was seen off by the Prime Minister. Following are the remarks made by the two statesmen:
Prime Minister Rabin:
Mr. Secretary, I have come to see you off on your way back to Washington as an expression on behalf of the Government of Israel and the people of Israel for the special, unique relations that have existed and will continue to exist between our two countries. I believe that the relations between your country and our country have been based on many common concepts and interests, and I am sure that what has been done in 26 years will continue to be developed.
I have come here, Mr. Secretary, to express our deep appreciation to you. I know you for many years, from my term as Ambassador of Israel to the United States. I know you as Secretary of State and especially in the last efforts to move this area from war toward peace. I know that you have done more than a human being can do in the efforts to move from war toward peace. I am sorry that the present efforts to bring about an interim agreement between Egypt and Israel have been suspended. I am sure that the United States and you will continue to find every possible option, every avenue, to move, or to help the parties to move, from war to peace.
Please accept our great respect, appreciation, and admiration for what you have done.
Secretary Kissinger:
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. On behalf of my colleagues, let me express our appreciation for your consideration in coming to the airport to see us off. We have worked together for two weeks in the traditional spirit of friendship to move this area toward a peace that no people need more that the people of Israel, gathered here after 2,000 years of dispersion and a generation of struggle. This is a sad day for America, which has invested much hope and faith, and we know it is a sad day also for Israel, which needs and wants peace so badly.
But the necessities that brought about this effort continue and the need to move toward peace cannot be abandoned. We will now have to look for different methods and new forums, but in any event the United States will do its utmost to contribute to a just and lasting peace in this area. We have had no other goal except to enable the young people in this area to grow up without the fear of war. And, as we leave, we wish the people of Israel all the best. And I want to thank, particularly, my old friend the Prime Minister for the wisdom with which he has conducted himself, for the friendship he has shown to us, and for the dedication that has animated all his action.