Spaso House
Ambassador Beyrle's Welcoming Remarks
Independence Day Reception
Spaso House
July 3, 2008
Dear friends, colleagues, good evening,
For Jocelyn and me, this is a moment filled with emotion. It was 25 years ago that Jocelyn and I attended our first Independence Day reception at Spaso House. Now, here we are -- 25 years later, we’ve returned. It is an honor for us, for me personally, to represent the United States to the Russian Federation. It is also a pleasure. When I look at the enormous sea of people I see so many familiar faces, so many friends, and I know that we came to a place that is almost home.
Of course, the relationship between Washington and Moscow has changed significantly for the better over those years. Today, when I presented my credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I said that my main goal as ambassador is that the relationship between the U.S. and Russia be constructive and more productive.
I know, when I look at you all, and I know from the history of my own father, that the opportunities for American – Russian relations are almost unlimited.
From my Russian friends, I expect good will and honest advice and I promise to do everything to make our relations truly constructive and productive as I said they should be.
Thank you very much again, welcome and happy holiday to you all!
