Press Releases 2009

U.S. Presidential Delegation Attending Panama's Presidential Inauguration

June 30, 2009

With Amb Stephenson and members of Panama's Foreign Ministry

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Panama City, Panama to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Ricardo Martinelli, President-elect of the Republic of Panama on July 1, 2009.

The Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

• The Honorable Barbara J. Stephenson, U.S. Ambassador to Panama
• The Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, U.S. House of Representatives from New York
• Mr. Craig A. Kelly, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State
• Mr. Freddy Balsera, Founder and Managing Partner of Balsera Communications
• Mr. Jim Swigert, Senior Associate and Regional Director, Latin America and Caribbean Programs, NDI

Representing President Obama at the inauguration ceremonies, Secretary Salazar met with outgoing Panamanian officials on June 30, and extended personal congratulations to incoming President Martinelli following his swearing-in on July 1. Speaking briefly with the press corps en route to the inauguration, Secretary Salazar said, “President Barack Obama is looking forward to  a strong relationship with Panama.  We are here celebrating the inauguration of President Martinelli and also to let Latin America know that this is a new beginning for the United States and Latin America. President Obama sends the message: “Que Viva Panamá.”

With Costa Rican President Oscar Arias		Speaking to members of the local press