Embassy Events
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| U.S. Ambassador Rodolphe M. Vallee |
Ambassador Vallee Bids Farewell to Slovakia
With his departure on December 5, Ambassador Rodolphe M. Vallee sat for interviews with most major news outlets in Slovakia. Beginning on November 29 in Kosice and Poprad, Ambassador Vallee spoke with reporters from radio, newspapers, television and the wire services, highlighting the strengthening of the U.S. Slovak relationship and accomplishments during his tenure. He drew attention to the fact that when Slovakia’s booming economy is considered with changes in U.S. visa regulations, Slovakia is closer than ever to visa-free travel to the United States. When asked by journalists about some of the toughest challenges that currently face Slovakia, he recalled the complaints that he has received from several business people across Slovakia regarding lack of skilled labor. On the bright side, he considers the drop of unemployment to be a major success in the country's economy. He also mentioned the example of the Whirpool Company, with a factory in Poprad, which has successfully increased its employment of Roma. Moreover, he was impressed by the care and efforts put into maintenance of the forests in Slovakia, as he is a passionate hunter. One of Ambassador Vallee’s best memories is scoring a goal in Steel Arena while playing with the Slovak national hockey team against the Czech side.
