WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday she was looking forward to stepping off “the very fast track” for a while, but wouldn't necessarily call it retirement.

Appearing at her first public engagement before the cameras after being taken ill more than a month ago, Clinton said she was “thrilled to be back.” ”I have to say, I really missed you all. I wouldn't say that under normal circumstances,” she said.

She was taking part in a retirement ceremony for US ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney, on only her third day back at work in the State Department since she caught a stomach virus, which then led to a concussion and blood clot.

Right now Clinton said she was focused on preparing to hand over to Kerry, whose nomination by President Barack Obama still has to be confirmed by the Senate.

“Obviously, it's somewhat bittersweet because I have had the most extraordinary experience and I've worked with an amazing team of people,” Clinton said.—AFP