March 28, 2004
Madam Ambassador, Ladies and gentlemen:
I am very pleased to welcome you here today for the official opening of the American Corner in our University Library. I want to thank the American Embassy for its cooperation and assistance in establishing this Corner. We are pleased that you are engaged with us in this important project, and we know that it will enrich our Library.
This Corner is built on a very important idea. At this time of uncertainty and turmoil in the world, it is particularly important to promote international understanding and to display the common bonds that unite us as members of one global community. We can no longer afford to allow ignorance, suspicion, and intolerance to erect barriers between peoples of the world.
The United
Arab Emirates and its university provide the perfect venue for this
initiative. We have the strong commitment to develop our country
in ways that reflect a global vision and universal values. The president
H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan has always stressed the
need for greater understanding and dialogue around global issues,
and global challenges. His Highness has always understood that international
cooperation and good will must rest on two important factors, namely;
- the pursuit of solutions to the problems of the world, and
- the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of its application
to advancing human welfare.
And in these two areas, universities and their libraries have a unique role to play. This American Corner will make an important contribution to that endeavor for the University and the community in Al Alin.
Today, we promise you that this American Corner will be a center that enriches the experience of the entire university – indeed, the entire community. It will contribute to an understanding of the history, culture, and present position of the United States in the World. This Corner will provide opportunities for studying developments in the United States: how the country works; how its policies are shaped, and how its political, economic, and social institutions function. The United States is the major power in world affairs and it is our duty to study the country and understand its culture.
Your presence here today shows a strong enthusiasm for the American Corner and a strong hope for its success. We share in your enthusiasm and hope that this reservoir of good will between the University and the Embassy will lead to many more useful and cooperative initiatives in the future.
My best wishes to all of you. Thank you.