Spreading President Obama’s message locally, U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic hosted a roundtable discussion for Near East University international-relations students

Earlier this month in Cairo, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a historic speech on American foreign policy entitled “A New Beginning.” The President called for a new beginning between the U.S. and Muslims around the world, based upon mutual interest and mutual respect, including a sustained effort to listen to each other, learn from each other and respect one another.

Spreading President Obama’s message locally, U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic hosted a roundtable discussion for international-relations students at Near East University (NEU) taught by Assistant Professor of International Relations Zeliha Khashman. Professor Khashman and her students previously participated in a live viewing and discussion of President Obama’s speech at the NEU American Corner.

Ambassador Urbancic referred to the President’s speech in Cairo as a “significant gesture” and stressed the need for greater dialogue between the United States and the Muslim world. The Ambassador took the time to listen to the students’ reactions to President Obama’s speech and answered their questions about new U.S. foreign policy initiatives. Overall, the students had an extremely positive reaction to the speech and, in particular, the welcoming manner in which President Obama presented his ideas. The event was the perfect illustration of the President’s call for increased dialogue based on respect for differences, as well as mutual interest and mutual respect.