Members of the Alumni Association
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to wish you welcome and to thank you for responding to our invitation.  It is truly a great pleasure for me to meet you today in order to know you better, in the interest of the relations which exist between Mauritania and the United States.

Honored Guests

As you know, each among you has taken part during the last several years in a cultural exchange program.  One of the criteria which led to your being chosen to visit the United States was your ability. We are thus aware of the necessity of maintaining a certain level of contact with you.

Ladies and Gentlemen

In numerous countries of the world American diplomatic missions encourage those chosen to take part in exchange programs to the United States to organize themselves in Alumni Associations, with the goal of contributing to the reinforcement of relations between the American people and other friendly peoples. By way of example, through the exchange of experiences among members, the application of that experience, and doing projects in the service of the community.   In that regard, I can assure you that our Embassy will support you in any action aimed at encouraging cooperation and cultural exchange between Mauritania and the United States.

Wishing you full success, I thank you.

Steven Koutsis
Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Mauritania

Nouakchott, May 2, 2007