EMBASSY NEWSCENTRE

Embassy News

Ambassador Welcomes Miss Cote d'Ivoire to the Embassy

Ambassador Hooks speaks with Ms. Cote d'Ivoire during the ceremony, as a cameraman from the national television broadcaster films.  (Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy)

Calling them symbols of hope for the future of Cote d’Ivoire, Ambassador Hooks welcomed the new Miss Cote d’Ivoire and the other contestants of the competition to the American Embassy.  In a red carpet ceremony attended by hundreds of Embassy employees and members of the media, the Ambassador called upon the women to help bring peace and reconciliation to their country.  He said that individually they were rays of light, but that together they could form a bright shining sun to show their nation the way back to peace and prosperity and how to tackle important issues such as HIV/AIDS.

“You can shine your glimmering lights on the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS, of staying faithful to your partners, and of consistently and correctly using protection,” said the Ambassador.  “If you raise your beautiful voices on this critical subject, people will listen.  Often beauty queens are referred to as sex symbols.  Yet, you become the symbols of responsible live that by your example will help to save lives.  If you say I won’t go out with someone who doesn’t know their status, then you can serve as a model for women and warning for men.”

Ms. Cote d’Ivoire thanked the Ambassador for so warmly welcoming her to the Embassy and said she looked forward to partnering with the United States on important projects such as fighting HIV/AIDS.  The United States Marines served as escorts for Miss Cote d’Ivoire and her fellow contestants during the ceremony, which took place in the Embassy’s David Durtschi Atrium.