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2005 Press Releases

Women greeting ambassador
Dagmar Kopacova (center), deputy director of Diplomatic Protocol, Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dagmar Timurova (left), of the Diplomatic Protocol office, welcome U.S. Ambassador Rodolphe Vallee to the Slovak Republic.

New U.S. Ambassador Arrives in Slovakia

Bratislava, August 11, 2005

Rodolphe M. Vallee, the new U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, arrived today (August. 11) in Bratislava. During the next few weeks, he will meet with Slovak government officials, legislative, business and community leaders, and Slovaks from all walks of life to introduce himself and hear their views about the issues and events shaping Slovakia and the strong U.S.-Slovak relationship.

Ambassador Vallee released the following arrival statement:

I am pleased and honored to be here representing President Bush and the United States in the Slovak Republic. Although this is our first time in Slovakia, I think my family and I will quickly feel at home here. I also come from a beautiful, mountainous state, and those of us who come from mountainous lands have much in common - especially our shared sense of freedom and independence and our love for democracy.

I am humbled to arrive in a country that is the economic marvel of Europe, a beacon of democracy to the world and a great friend to the United States of America. I am eager to travel throughout the country to better acquaint myself with the people, the culture, and the issues in the various regions. I have made good progress in studying the Slovak language, and I look forward to using and improving upon my knowledge in my travels and everyday duties.

Public policy, business, family, sports, and my great love for the outdoors have throughout my life guided my career. I am most fortunate to arrive in a country of great democratic discourse, where I can use my business experience to strengthen our economic ties, where my family's love of sports, particular hockey and soccer, can be nurtured, and where we can experience together your rich natural and historical treasures.