Botswana celebrates 60 years of freedom
Mabedi Ngwenya, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Botswana, and Alfred U.M. Dube, former ambassador of Botswana, celebrated 60 years of their country’s independence with the Embassy of Botswana in Washington.
On Sept. 30, guests were invited to attend a lunchtime celebration at The Ven at Embassy Row, where Ngwenya provided opening remarks, followed by traditional cuisine and a showcase of Botswana fashion and crafts.
Several Washington-based embassies were in attendance to celebrate the diamond jubilee, including Angola, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and more.
The day marked Botswana’s independence from Great Britain on Sept. 30, 1966.
Photos courtesy of Patricia McDougall.
Culture and friendship come to life at Saudi National Day
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received guests at the Marriott Marquis for a celebration of their National Day on Sept. 30. Under the theme, “Our Pride is Our Nature,” Saudi culture was on full display with a traditional Saudi Ardah performance and a Saudi-inspired buffet.
“[This theme] speaks to the qualities Saudis hold very dear: generosity, hospitality, authenticity, and ambition,” Saudi Deputy Chief of Mission Nawaf Alissa said in his opening remarks.
The evening also recognized the guest of honor, David Blome, assistant secretary for near eastern affairs, and remarks from Charles Hallab, president and CEO of the US-Saudi Business Council, who spoke on the importance of a bilateral relationship that goes beyond investment to a true friendship.
Saudi National Day recognizes Sept. 23, 1932, when the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies were renamed and became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
Smithsonian Associates teams up with the Embassy of Spain to recognize its role in the Revolutionary War
Three pillars of history, art and culture were brought together at the Embassy of Spain last month to honor the legacy of Spanish military leader and colonial governor Bernardo de Gálvez.
Hosted by Smithsonian Associates, the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs, and the Embassy of Spain’s cultural office, the Sept. 17 program highlighted the support Spain gave to the American colonies to secure their independence during the Revolutionary War.
The evening opened with a talk by historian Larrie D. Ferreiro, author of Brothers at Arms: American Independence and the Men of France and Spain Who Saved It, who shared the story of how de Gálvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana, led the charge to provide supplies, troops and military leadership to early America, ultimately securing vital territory and weakening British control in North America.
The program provided a deeper understanding of the outcome of the American Revolution and its legacy to present-day international alliances.
Meanwhile, art and culture was also on display. Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Curator Robyn Asleson presented an 18th-century portrait of de Gálvez by Cuban painter José Nicolás de la Escalera, which is currently being exhibited at the Gallery while on loan from the Iberdrola collection.
Pianist Cristina Lucio Villegas performed for the attendees, who could enjoy Spanish wine and cuisine while viewing the Embassy’s current exhibition showcasing works by 12 contemporary Spanish artists.
The event was presented as part of The Enduring Power of International Exchange series, organized by Smithsonian as part of its Our Shared Future: 250 initiative.
Photos courtesy of Norwood Photography.
National MS Society honors Bruce Wollman
Marking 80 years of progress working to fight against multiple sclerosis, the National MS society held its annual gala for researchers, healthcare leaders, government officials, diplomats and more at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Sept. 25.
This year’s spirit honoree was Bruce Wollman, of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Group, who has close ties with the diplomatic community as chair of the international affairs committee at the Cosmos Club.
Several ambassadors were in attendance to support Wollman, including Ambassador Edil Baisalov, of Kyrgyzstan; Ambassador Patrick Hemmer, of Luxembourg; and Ambassador Georg Sparber, of Liechtenstein.
