New US ambassador wants to dive into Ukrainian traditions, visit Crimea and Carpathians - video address
New U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt has promised to sustain the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States, as well as to support the aspirations of the Ukrainian people to develop a democratic and European state.
"The United States and Ukraine recently celebrated 20 years of bilateral relations. I'm deeply committed to sustaining this strategic partnership, and I am continuing to support the Ukrainian people's aspirations to build an independent, prosperous, democratic and modern European state," Pyatt said in a video address released on Youtube.
The U.S. ambassador began his speech in Ukrainian near the monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko in Washington - he introduced himself and greeted Ukrainians. Then he switched to English and spoke a little about himself and his family.
In his address, the diplomat said that he loves history and plans to dive into rich Ukrainian traditions. In addition, Pyatt spoke about his plans to visit Crimea and explore the Carpathian Mountains.
The ambassador said he was ready for communication through the page of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on Facebook, as well as through his video blog.
As reported, Pyatt arrived in Kyiv on August 3, 2013 as the eighth United States Ambassador to Ukraine.
Geoffrey R. Pyatt is a Senior Foreign Service officer whose 24-year State Department career has ranged from Asia to Europe and Latin America. Prior to his appointment as ambassador to Ukraine, Pyatt served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the South and Central Asia Affairs Bureau from May 2010 until July 2013.
Previous U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft has held the post since November 20, 2009.