DCM SPEECHES

Chargé d' Affaires Thomas P. Furey

Remarks

Sullivan Summit Closing Plenary

July 20, 2006
Abuja
 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It has been a fascinating week here at the Sullivan Summit.

I have been honored to host you at the Ambassador's Residence, and honored to attend many of the events of the week.

The theme of this summit has been Building Bridges.

Throughout the week, you have explored examples of public private partnerships between the U.S. and Africa.

Ways to strengthen existing partnerships, ways to create new ones.

That is also the primary mission of the U.S. Embassy and all of the diplomats there.

We continually strive to work to strengthen ties between our two countries.

But even though I am here in my role as Chargé d' Affaires, all of you are the real ambassadors.

Citizen diplomacy such as you have shown by coming here is what will make the difference.

There is an Ethiopian proverb that says, "If spider webs unite, they can tie up an elephant."

For our missions to succeed in Africa, we need all of you to take seriously your jobs as ambassadors, and to help weave webs.

Except our webs will not be tying up an elephant, they will unleash the promise of Africa and its people.

Continue to pursue the many opportunities that are found in Africa.

And thank you for coming!

 

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