01 October 2001

Transcript: US-UAE Partners for Stability, Says New US Ambassador

"The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy a strong relationship based upon mutual respect and extensive cooperation in many fields," US Ambassador Marcelle Wahba told foreign dignitaries and other guests at her swearing-in ceremony at the Department of State, October 1.

Praising the leadership role of President Shaykh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahayyan, she said "the UEA has become a true partner in a joint effort to promote peace and stability in the region...Our Cooperation on military and security issues has never been stronger and will remain my top priority. Our law enforcement cooperation in the core areas of counter-terrorism, border/export control and money laundering will now be more important than ever."

Ambassador Wahba also pledged to broaden the bilateral cultural, academic and commercial relationship. Ambassador Marcelle Wahba is a career diplomat who has served in Egypt, Cyprus, Jordan and Washington, D.C. She is a resident of Sacramento, California.

Following is the transcript of Wahba's swearing-in remarks:

Swearing-In Remarks By Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba Oct 1st, 2001 Benjamin Franklin Room, Department of State

Secretary Powell thank you very much, Ambassador Al Dhahri, Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen - This is a very, very special day for me and it is made more so by the presence of so many friends and family members.

A lot of people in this room have played important roles in my life and I owe them a great deal. My Uncle, Boulos Malik, then the Public Affairs Counselor in Rabat, Morocco in 1984, inspired me to think about applying to the Foreign Service and coached me through the application and exam process.

Two years after joining USIA as a mid-level officer I was asked to fill an immediate opening in Cairo. Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, took a great chance when he accepted my posting to Egypt for my first overseas assignment as Embassy Spokesperson; he was a great mentor and over the years a true friend. During my career I was fortunate to work with some of the Department's very best, including Ambassadors Wes Egan, Kenton Keith, Dan Kurtzer, Richard Boucher, and Bill Burns, and I thank them for their support and confidence. To Evelyn Lieberman, former Undersecretary for Public Affairs, I would like to express special thanks and gratitude for her trust in me and her support for this assignment.

I am very pleased my family made a special effort to be here today. My Dad is unfortunately not with us but I know he is here in spirit. The rest of the family is here from California, Vancouver, Washington D.C. and New York City. I want to thank all of them but particularly my Mother for being the very special force that keeps our family together - and for the many sacrifices she made along the way, with my Dad, to raise us and educate us in a new country.

As for my husband, we think it was a small miracle that we found each other. I met Derek 11 years ago after I had pretty much given up on meeting a life partner. We fortunately made the best decision of our life when we decided to take the leap and bring together our two lives and two careers. Thank you, Derek, for taking your career on the road and for doing it so very successfully.

As Secretary Powell mentioned, my family immigrated to the United States - nearly 34 years ago - and therefore I am here to day with a special sense of pride and appreciation for being given the opportunity by the President and Secretary Powell to serve my country at this difficult time.

The tragic events of September 11th have changed all our lives and for us in the diplomatic service it means we will have to do more and do it better to serve as our nation's first line of defense. I look forward to serving in the United Arab Emirates and to working closely with its leadership in support of the global effort against terrorism.

In addition to our close cooperation on regional and international issues, the United States and the UAE enjoy a strong relationship based upon mutual respect and extensive cooperation in many fields.

Under the extraordinary and wise leadership of President Shaykh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahayyan the UAE has developed and prospered at a remarkable pace. Thanks in great part to his vision, the UAE has become a true partner in a joint effort to promote peace and stability in the region.

Our Cooperation on military and security issues has never been stronger and will remain my top priority.

Our law enforcement cooperation in the core areas of counter-terrorism, border/export control and money laundering will now be more important than ever.

Our economic and commercial interests have steadily increased over the past decade. The UAE is now our fourth largest export market in the region and Emiratis enjoy one of the world's highest per capita income. I look forward to encouraging additional American investors to come to the UAE for good business opportunities because I am sure they will enjoy a truly hospitable business environment.

No relationship is complete without the professional and personal bonds of mutual understanding that provide the infrastructure for the political, commercial and military ties. I will work to promote and broaden the cultural and academic dialogue between Americans and Emiratis from all walks of life.

Mr. Secretary, I look forward to working with my Mission colleagues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Americans and Foreign Service nationals, as well as with the government and citizens of the UAE, to further these important objectives.

Derek and I look forward with keen anticipation to living and working in the United Arab Emirates, and we embark on this new adventure with a great deal of enthusiasm and hope for peaceful and stable times ahead. We hope you will visit us in our new home. Thank you.