Skip Navigation
UPDATED: 16 Jan 2008 GMT
Skip Left Section Navigation

Speeches 2007

Georgetown University's Book Donation to Aga Khan Foundation

Venue: Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam.

July 26, 2007

Remarks by Ambassador Michael L. Retzer

It is my pleasure to join you this afternoon to witness this contribution from students of Georgetown University in the United States. When I learned about the several boxes of books that you were donating to Aga Khan, I wanted to come and personally offer my congratulations to you for your generous gift to the Tanzanian people.

Your gift today exemplifies the best spirit and goodwill of the American people. I understand these books are only a portion of what you collected to bring to students here in Tanzania. My staff has informed me that you are making a similar contribution of books next week at St. Augustine University in Mwanza.

I am glad I was able to spend some time with you during your two months here as part of your African Studies program. I hope that you have enjoyed your time in Tanzania and return home with warm memories to share with family and friends. I also hope that you will encourage other Americans to follow in your footsteps and visit.

I am sure the Tanzanians enjoyed spending time with you. I hope that you have laid the foundation to build some lasting relationships. It is these types of people to people experiences that truly bring our two nations closer together. I often tell young Americans visiting Tanzania that they too are ambassadors of the United States.

I am proud the U.S. Government was able to facilitate the shipment of these books here to Dar es Salaam, so that together we could augment the resources for the students in the Advanced Nursing Studies program at Aga Khan University.

I would like to offer my best wishes to the students both at Aga Khan and Georgetown as you continue with your studies. I am honored that you allowed me the privilege of joining you today. Again, thank you for helping to further strengthen the bond between the United States of America and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Asanteni sana!