In Celebration of American Independence Day

Ambassador Paul W. Jones and the Malaysian Government guest-of-honor YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur for the U.S. Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 3, 2012. (U.S. Embassy photo)

The U.S. Embassy celebrated the 236th anniversary of U.S. Independence – also known as the Fourth of July – with VIPs and guests from the Malaysian government, the diplomatic community, local and international business communities, civil society institutions, academia, NGOs, media and others at the JW Marriott hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.  Malaysian youth returning from exchange programs in the U.S. as well as former English Teaching Assistants and Peace Corps volunteers joined the celebration. 

The U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Paul W. Jones and the Malaysian Government guest-of-honor YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok, the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, offered the official toast.  The national anthems were sung by a talented Malaysian-American brother and sister duo.  Music was provided by the impressive Royal Malaysian Police band.  A Peace Corps photo exhibit, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and American picnic food added to the flavor of the evening. 

Ambassador Jones said, “Our people-to-people exchanges and dialogue between our leaders are vibrant.  Our two countries are on the path towards ever stronger business, political, security, and cultural relations. We continue to add chapters to our story, developing business partnerships between U.S. and Malaysian companies, finding new avenues for collaboration between our governments, enjoying the mutual benefits of trade prosperity, and creating new educational exchanges for our youth. Looking ahead, there is so much we can do, and are already doing, to deepen our ties and benefit our peoples.” 

“In short, our ties are warm, close and dynamic, which contributes to prosperity and security for our peoples.” 

The Ambassador’s speech is attached.