KOTA KINABALU: The United States is looking forward to forging stronger ties with Sabah as it celebrates 150 years of peace, prosperity and partnership together.
“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),” said US Embassy counsellor for public affairs Bradly Hurst at a press conference on America Days Sabah 2018, here, on Monday, adding that the embassy had worked with the state government 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 is hosted by the embassy to mark 150 years of partnership between US and Sabah. It culminates tomorrow 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 the North Borneo.
To make the celebration more meaningful and exciting, the US Embassy is organising a series of programmes to share American culture with Sabahans.
“The embassy team will collaborate with state and local authorities, schools, non-governmental organisations and Sabahans in a series of engagement activities to showcase our respect and admiration for the state.”
The programmes include community events 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. Such cultural programmes will definitely build a better understanding of the sport cultures among skateboard enthusiasts here,” said Jumao-as.