Michael Raynor
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia
at the C – 130 Handover Ceremony
Ethiopian Air Force, Bishoftu
June 6, 2018
(As prepared for delivery)
Good morning.
General Adem Mohammed, thank you very much for hosting this wonderful event.
To say that the delivery of this C-130 aircraft has been long awaited might be a bit of an understatement.
But I’m so pleased to be here to see the result of the hard work that has gone into making it happen.
To the team here from the United States Air Force, and to all the dedicated women and men you represent, thank you for your hard work!
To our counterparts in the Ethiopian Air Force, thank you for your faith and your commitment to our partnership.
This aircraft represents a deep bond between our two countries, and our shared pledge to play constructive leadership roles on the world stage.
Ethiopia has a long history of contributing to international peacekeeping, dating back nearly seven decades to the Korean War.
That tradition continues today, with Ethiopia standing tall as the largest contributor of peacekeepers to UN missions in the world.
Our part in supporting Ethiopia in this vital role is relatively humble, but we’re proud that the training, logistical support, and equipment we provide helps Ethiopia take on this important task.
This C-130 will further enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to play a vital role in protecting the lives of civilians in conflict areas, and will help Ethiopia move humanitarian supplies where they are needed in a timely manner.
The United States is grateful to Ethiopia for our partnership in these areas.
The U.S. commitment to this partnership is stronger than ever, and I look forward to building upon it in the days ahead.
Thank you.
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