Letters & Speeches
Remarks made by Chargé d'Affaires James Moore at the closing ceremony of the Multinational Communications Interoperability Program's Final Planning Conference.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the US Government and the US Embassy, it's an honor and a privilege to be invited to speak to you today at the closing ceremony of the Multinational Communications Interoperability Program's Final Planning Conference.
I would like to extend our thanks to our Sri Lankan friends for graciously hosting the conference. In particular, I would like to recognize the efforts of Major General Silva and Colonel Meedin for organizing this important event.
In addition, I would like to express our appreciation to Colonel Fox and US Pacific Command for lending crucial support to this initiative.
And I would especially like to recognize the commitment to each you, the delegates from the participating countries, for taking time way from your normal duties and responsibilities to attend this conference.
Lt Col Smith and Major Orozco have told me the event was a great success. Over the last several days, you have focused on how to best enable your respective countries to work together in order to be fully prepared to work collaboratively to meet future humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
On behalf of the U.S. Government, let me say that it has been our privilege to work with the Government of Sri Lanka and all partner countries to support this critically important initiative.
To effectively respond to crises, it is essential to establish close working relationships between partner nations before a crisis happens.
It is very fitting that such a program take place in Sri Lanka. The devastation caused by the tsunami in 2004 and, more recently, the displacement of many thousands of Sri Lankan citizens in the conflict, are powerful examples of the scope of challenges a nation must face when confronted with a humanitarian crisis.
The first duty of each of our governments is to protect our citizens, especially the weak and the vulnerable. None of us has the capacity to handle large scale catastrophes alone. The MCIP offers all of us a means to help each other by working together to improve critically important communication and interoperability between friendly nations and security partners.
Once again, I would like to thank our Sri Lankan hosts and our US Pacific Command team for putting together such a fine conference. I commend you for your dedication and your service to your nations and to one another.
Thank you very much.