Official “4th of July” Celebration - Remarks by Ambassador Norland (07/02/2009)
July 2, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
U.S. Embassy
Assalaamu alaykum.
I am honored by both the size of the attendance and by the high level of Uzbek official representation from the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. Thank you all very much for coming.
I hope this wonderful attendance did not result in any difficulties getting in, but we do see this event as an opportunity to say “thank you” to all those who help us get to know the large, important and multi-faceted country that is Uzbekistan.
This is a year of global economic crisis. We have toned down our celebration somewhat to reflect this. But the feelings of warmth and friendship with the people of Uzbekistan are as rich as ever.
I want to congratulate Uzbekistan on policies that have helped it avoid some of the most painful effects of the global crisis, and also – knowing that no country can escape it entirely – on devising strategies to address the difficult times that may yet lie ahead.
I want you to know that the American economy is resilient and will bounce back. We will learn the lessons of this episode, and together with our partners around the world we will help resume progress toward greater global prosperity.
The past year has seen a new presidential administration take office in the U.S., setting the stage for a new level of understanding with Uzbekistan. High-level contact has already taken place. Drawing on the lessons of the past, Uzbekistan and the U.S. are pursuing new forms of cooperation on regional security, cultural exchange, human rights, democratic reform and economic investment.
President Obama has signaled that the U.S. will engage with the rest of the world in a spirit of renewed partnership and mutual respect. We are conscious, as he put it in Cairo a month ago, that “no system of government can or should be imposed on one nation by any other.” We remain equally committed, he said, “to governments that reflect the will of the people.” And we believe, as he said, that “the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.”
Our President talked about the challenges posed by globalization. Every country, including the U.S. and Uzbekistan, seeks economic development that is consistent with its own traditions. President Obama pointed out that “no development strategy can be based upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work.” All of us, he went on, “must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century…”
I must tell you, having now visited every province of Uzbekistan and seen so many new colleges and schools, that this is a message which Uzbekistan – drawing on its rich history as a center for intellectual exploration and development – has clearly already taken to heart. Uzbekistan values its young people and values education. The U.S. looks forward to working with Uzbekistan to expand educational and exchange programs that will enrich both of our countries.
Those of us who serve at this Embassy feel fortunate to be in such an important, interesting part of the world at a pivotal time in history, and we are honored to be partners in our joint efforts to improve the future for all of our children.
I send best wishes to all the people of Uzbekistan for health, happiness and prosperity, and I express our sincere desire for continued deepening of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Uzbekistan in the years ahead.
I would like to close with a few more words from President Obama’s recent speech in Cairo: “There must be sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.”
Rakhmat.
