SPEECHES

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

Courtesy Call on Emir of Bauchi

Bauchi
September 19, 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.

Bauchi has an exciting history both as the sixth most important in the hierarchy of the Sultan of Sokoto’s Caliphate, and as the birth place of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

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