Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., the Under Secretary of United States for Political Affairs visited the AUCA

October 31, 2016

On October 27, 2016 Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., the Under Secretary of United States for Political Affairs visited the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) to meet with AUCA students, faculty, and staff, along with a number of students from other Bishkek Universities. This trip was Under Secretary Shannon’s first visit to Central Asia, thus except Bishkek, he visited Astana, Kazakhstan, Tashkent and Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Professors, students, media representatives, sportsmen and others met Under Secretary at the AUCA to talk to and ask questions. Therefore, there were no questions which were unanswered by Under Secretary Shannon.

 “It is a great pleasure and honor to be here!  To president Wachtel, I’d like to extend my gratitude for your hospitality, and I want to commend you for the tremendous work you have done here at the AUCA over the last six years. Especially in promoting the diversity and development of this quality place of learning. It is a great honor to be here today with all of you.

“I started [my trip] several days ago in Kazakhstan and I have been here in Bishkek the last two days. I travel a lot in my job, and most often I meet with high ranking government officials, military officers and business executives. I get to see and learn a lot about what is going on in the world. But, to be honest, one of my favorite parts about my work is the opportunity to visit schools and meet with students like all of you. Your energy and curiosity are infectious. But also you give me a window into the minds of tomorrow and help remind me of the importance of work I do today.

“It is also a tremendous pleasure and honor to have individuals here who represented Kyrgyzstan in the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Nomad Games. The USA competed in the Nomad Games, and we were honored to be invited to participate. Our cowboys came away grateful for the hospitality and kindness shown to them,” said Under Secretary Shannon.

In addition to his talk at AUCA, Under Secretary Shannon met with Kyrgyz government officials, members of parliament, and civil society leaders during his time in Kyrgyzstan.

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