There are not perhaps too many professions where you get to meet your exact, mirror-image counterpart: but I met mine today. Louis Susman, President Obama's new Ambassador-designate to London (or to the "Court of St. James's", as it is traditionally and properly known) dropped by for my take on life in London and the relationship between the UK and USA.
It was a real pleasure to meet Ambassador-designate Susman again. He has long-standing UK connections, and we met during the Presidential Inauguration celebrations. I have no doubt that he will be a great asset for the United States in London, and a firm advocate of the special relationship between our two countries. He goes to the UK at an important moment for the transatlantic partnership. The international agenda is a crowded one: from Afghanistan to the global economy, from Iran to climate change, we face a raft of truly significant, but never straightforward, challenges. The partnership between the USA and Britain will play a critical role. So he can expect a busy time.
I know from personal experience what a privilege it is to represent your country abroad. It's doubly special to be the British Ambassador to the United States, where historical and contemporary ties have created a real affection for the UK amongst so many Americans. Ambassador-designate Susman will enjoy similar advantages. America has always had a special place in UK hearts, but the excitement generated by the election of President Obama has undoubtedly produced a huge reservoir of goodwill towards the States that will be very obvious to the Ambassador as soon as he steps off the plane.
I wish him the very best of luck.
Posted at 15:24 22 July 2009 by Nigel Sheinwald | Comments[0]
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