Ambassador

Ambassador's Speeches

Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt Presents credential letters

Mr. President,

It is an honor and a pleasure for me to present my credentials to you today as the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.  I note that your country’s motto is “union, discipline, and work.”  These are lofty ideals and I know that Ivorians’ commitment to them will bring lasting peace and prosperity to your country.

The United States has been and will continue to be a friend to Cote d’Ivoire.  We stand ready to support you as Ivorians together identify and implement the actions that will steer your country out of the political crisis of the last few years.  Peace and stability in Cote d’Ivoire are critical for the continuation of peace and stability in neighboring countries and the sub-region as a whole.  The United States believes the Ouagadougou Political Accord offers the best opportunity for Ivorians and their neighbors to establish a durable, prosperous future and we encourage its continued implementation without delay.  Specifically, the United States looks forward to transparent, free, and fair elections in Cote d’Ivoire within the framework of the Ouagadougou Political Accord and to an equally transparent process of identification that will help to address one of the key problems that led to the current crisis.

Cote d’Ivoire has long been the engine of economic growth in this region, and we firmly believe that this wonderful country can regain that stature.  Despite the stagnant growth of the past years, I see that the country’s infrastructure remains largely intact, and the people remain as productive and eager to work as ever.  I will endeavor to help bring investment and trade as Cote d’Ivoire takes steps to make itself a more transparent, business-friendly environment.

Mr. President, the United States strongly supports the application of democratic principles and the promotion of human rights as well as the opportunity for all individuals living in Cote d’Ivoire to enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous life that is free from exploitation.  As President Bush stated in June of this year in Prague, “Freedom is the best way to unleash the creativity and economic potential of a nation.  Freedom is the only ordering of a society that leads to justice.  And human freedom is the only way to achieve human rights.”  Mr. President, I look forward to working with you in the coming years to achieve these goals.