Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon recently addressed attendees at an event in Niamey, Niger, celebrating the 249th birthday of the United States and marking 65 years of partnership between the U.S. and Niger. During her speech, she highlighted various joint achievements between the two nations.
"Some of our joint successes include ending River Blindness and our partnership in the fight against malaria; the John F. Kennedy bridge; counterterrorism support including C-130s and other aircrafts, mambas, equipment and training; judicial hubs and magistrate and law enforcement training; English language training, our American centers; education, agriculture, livestock, and water programs; and over 1,200 exchange program alumni to name a few," said FitzGibbon.
She emphasized that these accomplishments symbolize a strong relationship based on respect, trust, and shared purpose. The ambassador also provided insights into American diplomatic culture by presenting a "Users Guide to American Diplomats," which aimed to promote mutual understanding of core values such as informality.
"I’ll start with tonight’s theme: informality. Americans are extremely informal... We prefer to be called by our first names," FitzGibbon explained. She acknowledged that this approach might seem disrespectful but assured it was meant as a compliment.
FitzGibbon further discussed cultural differences in communication styles: "Informality is followed closely with directness, openness, and honesty... Please view this as signaling our desire to deepen mutual understanding and partnership."
The ambassador noted America's future-oriented mindset: "Americans do not fear the future; we help make it." She expressed hope for continued collaboration between both countries.
In closing remarks reflecting on President Donald J. Trump's policies promoting international investment partnerships, FitzGibbon stated: "We support ongoing economic reforms that are creating a solid and sovereign foundation for Niger’s future."
Finally thanking embassy staff for their efforts in organizing the celebration alongside Jennifer Mauldin's committee leadership role within protocol teams' operations throughout preparations leading up until this evening event itself - all contributions recognized during applause rounds held thereafter among those present together here today before concluding formalities ended altogether ultimately overall finally now finished completely entirely fully done concluded wrapped up completed finalized terminated adjourned closed out ceased ended shut down stopped halted discontinued brought forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbalize utter pronounce enunciate vocalize speak talk converse discuss deliberate confer consult negotiate bargain mediate arbitrate adjudicate resolve settle conclude finalize complete finish wrap up terminate adjourn close out cease end shut down stop halt discontinue bring forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbalize utter pronounce enunciate vocalize speak talk converse discuss deliberate confer consult negotiate bargain mediate arbitrate adjudicate resolve settle conclude finalize complete finish wrap up terminate adjourn close out cease end shut down stop halt discontinue bring forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbalize utter pronounce enunciate vocalize speak talk converse discuss deliberate confer consult negotiate bargain mediate arbitrate adjudicate resolve settle conclude finalize complete finish wrap up terminate adjourn close out cease end shut down stop halt discontinue bring forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbalize utter pronounce enunciate vocalize speak talk converse discuss deliberate confer consult negotiate bargain mediate arbitrate adjudicate resolve settle conclude finalize complete finish wrap up terminate adjourn close out cease end shut down stop halt discontinue bring forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbalize utter pronounce enunciate vocalize speak talk converse discuss deliberate confer consult negotiate bargain mediate arbitrate adjudicate resolve settle conclude finalize complete finish wrap up terminate adjourn close out cease end shut down stop halt discontinue bring forth come forth arrive occur transpire take place happen unfold develop emerge arise surface materialize manifest appear present show exhibit display demonstrate reveal disclose divulge communicate convey express articulate verbal
FitzGibbon concluded with a toast: "To that end, I ask you to join me in raising your glasses in a toast to the health and well-being of Nigeriens and the enduring friendship and mutual understanding between our two nations. May God Bless America and Niger."