Embassy Outreach

SPEECHES

EID GREETING
by U.S. Ambassador Emil Skodon
Event: 2006 Hari Raya Aidilfitri (As aired on Radio-Kristal FM and Pilihan Network Programme "Raya With their Excellencies")

This is Emil Skodon, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Negara Brunei Darussalam.

On behalf of the American people, I would like to extend Hari Raya greetings to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang di Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, members of the Royal Family, Cabinet Members, and to all the people of Brunei.

This holiday is a joyous occasion shared by Muslims around the globe, including the many millions of Muslims who make their home in the United States of America.  It is also, I believe, a time to reflect on the universal values shared by all of us.

Earlier this year, I spoke to a class of students here in Brunei about the United States, and mentioned that it was an American tradition to respect others and to lend a helping hand to people in need regardless of their nationality, religion, or race.  As I left the room, I heard one student comment that those sounded like Islamic values and I thought to myself:  "We are both wrong.  These cannot be characterized as just American values, or just Islamic values.  In fact, working for the benefit of others is a human value that we all share."

The governments of Brunei and of United States demonstrated that shared value in a very practical way this past year, by agreeing to jointly sponsor the reconstruction of the Indonesian village of Desa Mon Mata, which was devastated by the tsunami that hit Aceh.  Together we will build schools, houses, and other infrastructure.  The results will not only give the people of Desa Mon Mata renewed hope for a better life, they will also reflect the values shared by American and Bruneians.

It is true there are many disagreements and divisions in today's world.  But as we experience the Open Houses where Muslim Bruneians welcome their friends of all religions to share in their celebration, I believe we would do well to take a moment to recall that, whatever disagreements we may have, the shared values that bind us together are stronger and more durable than any divisions that may drive us apart.

It is in that spirit that I say to the people of Brunei from the people of the United States of America:  "Salamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri."