SPEECHES

Remarks
Charge d’Affairs
Robert E. Gribbin
Embassy of the United States

Courtesy Call on Shehu of Borno

Maiduguri
September 17, 2007

Your Royal Highness, Assalamu Alaikum. Ah-sah-lahm-u Ah-lay-koom)
(Peace be upon you)

On behalf of my colleagues from the US Embassy:

I thank you most sincerely for granting us audience in your palace this afternoon.  I am delighted to visit your magnificent city, and to meet with you and your community.

Borno State has an exciting history as the second most important in the Islamic hierarchy.  Maiduguri is the commercial center of the North-East, boasts an international cattle market, and represents a major center of Islamic scholarship and learning in Nigeria. 

I have come here to listen to the people of Borno State and to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Borno State.

Tomorrow I will be visiting the University of Maiduguri to commission an American Corner collection of books along with His Excellency Governor Ali Modu Sherif and Vice Chancellor Professor A.D. Amin.  We will also donate sets of books to eight schools in Borno State. 

I have also come here to host an Iftaar dinner. 
While here in your palace, I want to tell the entire Muslim community in Nigeria through you, that:

America wishes you a Ramadan Kareem
America treasures your friendship.
America honors your faith. 

Islam is a religion that brings hope and comfort to more than a billion people around the world.
This includes millions of American Muslims and Nigerians. An important part of America’s moral fiber is tolerance. We Americans believe that no one—no one—should be treated differently because of the color of their skin, where they were born, or what they believe.  We Americans reject all forms of religious intolerance. 

Thank you