KOTA KINABALU: The United States is looking forward to forging stronger ties with Sabah as it celebrates 150 years of peace, prosperity and partnership with the people of the state.
US Embassy counselor for public affairs Bradly Hurst said this at a press conference on America Days Sabah 2018 here today.
“With the new Sabah government, we hope to continue building our relationship and working together in various areas. Of course,we want to see what they have (in their vision),” he said, adding that the embassy had worked with the state in areas such as education and environmental conservation.
Hurst said US Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir would pay a courtesy call to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The America Days Sabah 2018 celebration which begins tomorrow, is being hosted by the embassy to marks 150 years of partnership between US and Sabah. It culminates on Thursday (June 28) with the celebration of American Independence Day.
June 28, 1899, is the day when the USS Bennington became the first US naval vessel to visit then North Borneo.
To make the celebration a more meaningful and exciting one, the US Embassy is organising a series of programmes to share American culture with Sabahans
“The embassy team will proudly collaborate with state and local authorities, schools, non-governmental organisations and Sabahans in a series of engagements showcasing our respect and admiration for the state.”
The programmes include community event such as tree-planting, music workshops and performances, English teaching workshops and skateboarding clinics.
American skateboarding sports envoys Jimmy Cao, 30, and Cheryl Jumao-as, 42, will be sharing their sports culture with young Sabahans.
“This is my first time going to another country to talk about skateboarding. I think this is very encouraging for me to gain new knowledge,” said Jumao-as.
“Such cultural programmes will definitely build a better understanding of the sport cultures among skateboard enthusiasts here.”
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