Ambassador Barbara J. Stephenson upon her arrival to Panama

August 4, 2008

Good afternoon and thank you very much for this warm welcome. It is a pleasure to be in Panama once again after twenty years. I am looking forward to visiting the city and the rest of the country and taking in all the changes.

My husband Matthew and I have very dear memories of our first time in Panama as newly weds. We can barely believe our luck in being able to return now with our children during such a promising time in Panama’s history.

I thank Ambassador William Eaton for the great job he did here. He left me a new Embassy that is a symbol of the excellent relationships between Panama and the United States. He has also left a committed and hard-working staff.

I look forward to the many opportunities we will have to work together.

Once again, I appreciate your welcome.

Good Afternoon.