Press Release
New U.S. Ambassador shares his vision
September 15, 2008
(September 15) - This afternoon the new U.S. Ambassador to Brunei, Ambassador William E. Todd presented his credentials to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a ceremony held at the Istana Nurul Iman. Earlier today, Ambassador Todd met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade) at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan.
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Ramadan Mubarak,
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, for accepting my credentials at Istana Nurul Iman today. It is a true honor and privilege to be the new American Ambassador to Brunei. Over the next three years I plan to build upon the strong and positive relationship that exists today between our two great nations.
Our strong bilateral relations were deepened in December 2002 with the historic meeting of His Majesty and President Bush in Washington. At that meeting it was agreed to that both our governments would work together to combat terrorism, to enhance our military collaboration, to improve our economic ties, and to expand educational opportunities for Brunei students in the United States. I am pleased to say that progress has been made in each of these areas. In the year to come I am committed to continuing to pursue each of these goals and objectives.
As we build on our long established relations, which began in the 1880s, I believe future high level meetings between our political and business leaders will provide the means to achieve our mutual goals of security, prosperity and opportunity. In this regard I look forward to the possibility of His Majesty the Sultan, as well as the Deputy Sultan, visiting the United States to meet with America’s next President. I would also like to encourage all of Brunei to consider visiting the U.S. both for business and pleasure. Our doors are open and Bruneians enjoy a special status as a Visa Waiver Program nation.
I believe this is an exceptional time to serve as a U.S. Ambassador abroad. As the U.S. election nears, the whole world will have an opportunity to see the U.S. democratic process. It is an exciting time to be both an American and the President’s representative to the people of Brunei. Having worked in Washington at the highest levels over the last ten years, I look forward to the opportunity to share with His Majesty, the Sultan, the Deputy Sultan and the Government and People of Brunei my experience and expertise during this time of change in Washington.
I look forward to working closely with the wonderful people of Brunei, my family and I feel truly blessed to be here and I will dedicate all of my skill and energy to promoting security, prosperity and opportunity for both of our great nations.
Ambassador Todd carries with him a broad range of experience, having served 25 years with the U.S. Federal Government.
Ambassador Todd has served in the Senior Executive Service for more than 10 years. In his last position he reported directly to Secretary Rice in Washington DC as the acting Inspector General, providing oversight over all U.S. State Department global activities, including 260 diplomatic missions in over 163 counties.
Previously, Ambassador Todd directed the day to day global operations in the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, spearheading programs to combat the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, international crime, terrorism, and to strengthen the rule of law in government institutions and law enforcement capabilities. These multibillion dollar programs placed him at the forefront of America’s efforts in some of the most volatile regions of the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Colombia.
During the 1990s, he worked in a senior position in the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, helping to successfully promote U.S. trade and investments around the world. In this capacity he helped create and implement the Big and Emerging Market Strategy. As part of this program, he built, staffed and opened a number of U.S. Commercial Centers overseas, including three in Asia -- China, Vietnam and Indonesia.