Arab ambassadors attend historic meeting of U.S. governers

The high-level trip, organized by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, provided a unique opportunity for Arab diplomats to meet with many of America's Governors.

Ambassadors signed up to attend the three-day event included H.E. Ali Aujali of Libya, H.E. Nabil Fahmy of Egypt, H.E. Mohamed Nejib Hachana of Tunisia, H.E. Aziz Mekouar of Morocco, H.E. Hunaina Al-Mughairy of Oman, and H.E. Samir Sumaida'ie of Iraq.

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Arab ambassadors,"

said David Hamod, the Chamber's President & CEO.

"This was the only delegation of sitting ambassadors, and our Chamber is deeply grateful to NGA for the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary meeting. We are also pleased that so many of the Arab ambassadors recognized the great potential of networking with our nation's Governors," he added.

H.E. Ambassador Ali Aujali, Libya's representative to the United States, characterized the visit as a remarkable experience. He noted, "Being able to meet the Governors face-to-face was a rare opportunity and extremely informative. I was honored to participate in this centennial NGA event in historic Philadelphia and to meet with so many distinguished attendees from around the United States. I congratulate the Chamber on organizing this memorable event."

H.E. Hunaina Al-Mughairy, Oman's Ambassador to the United States, said the delegation "opened doors by establishing a rapport with the Governors, and I hope that we will be able to continue the dialogue. Some of the Governors expressed an interest in visiting our part of the world, giving us a chance to improve the image of the Arab world in the United States. This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with many Governors at one time, and I am grateful to NGA and the U.S.-Arab Chamber for enabling this to happen."

America's Governors, in addition to representing their constituents by helping to shape U.S. policies, promote exports and trade delegations from their respective States and encourage investment opportunities. The National Governors Association, the collective bipartisan voice of the nation's Governors and one of Washington DC's most respected public policy organizations, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Philadelphia, which played a key role in establishing the United States, was a logical venue for the centennial meeting of NGA. America's Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, and the U.S. Constitution was created there. Home to America's Liberty Bell, Philadelphia also convened the First Continental Congress, which became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution. In addition, Philadelphia joined New York in hosting the First United States Congress.

Hon. Bill Clinton, a former President of the United States and former Governor of Arkansas, served as a keynote speaker at this year's meeting. "Our founders believed that States should be laboratories of democracy," he said, commending the NGA for its leadership on a variety of issues, including energy independence.

The Arab ambassadors attended the NGA gathering as official "observers," giving them an opportunity to watch the high-level sessions in Philadelphia. As such, they met a wide range of Governors, who have a special interest in international relations and the global marketplace.

"These people-to-people gatherings go a long way toward promoting cultural understanding and dispelling stereotypes,"

concluded David Hamod of the U.S.-Arab Chamber.

He added, "We see this as a win/win opportunity that has a longer-term potential to create jobs and promote foreign direct investment in communities across the United States and in the Arab world."