U.S. Secretary of State Kerry and the African Ambassadors Thank Ambassador Soborun of Mauritius for His Leadership and Service

15 July 2014
Content from a Premium Partner
Leadership Africa USA (Washington, DC)
press release

Washington, DC — Secretary of State John Kerry honored H.E. Ambassador Somduth Soborun of the Republic of Mauritius at a farewell reception at the State Department. He was honored in the presence of many of his fellow ambassadors for his service to his nation and for the strides he has made here in the United States.

Ambassador Soborun was appointed to his position of career Ambassador to the United States in June of 2003. The Ambassador was born to a working class family in Triolet, Mauritius, and began his career as a teacher in the Civil Service in 1971, working at the School of Business Studies and Accounting at Seychelles Polytechnic. He went on to serve as a Permanent Representative to the UN in New York from 2006-2010, and most recently as Ambassador to the United States with a concurrent accreditation as High Commissioner to Canada.

Admired by Congressmen and Ambassadors alike, and as an integral member of the African Diplomatic Corps., Soborun always received the highest praise for his unwavering dedication to the people of Mauritius. In a letter from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Soborun, she commended him for his work, stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the Republic of Mauritius." Former Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson referred to the Ambassador as "...one of the very best ambassadors in Washington."

Ambassador Patrice Cure, on behalf of Mauritius' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, and the Multilateral (Political) Directorate, described Ambassador Soborun's valiant efforts in the service of his county as, "excellent achievements at raising the profile of Mauritius in the international scene." Ambassador Soborun's commitment to Mauritius' private sector is evidenced by writing over 500 letters and meeting with bi-partisan members of both the Senate and House to fight for the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act's (AGOA's) Third Country Fabric Provision. This extension was critical because it allows for greater integration of Mauritius into the international economy through increased access to free markets, stronger multilateral-trade relationships, and expedited job growth.

Soborun was appointed by his fellow ambassadors to lead the Trade and Investment Sub-committee of the African Ambassadors' Group regarding discussions of the pending U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in August. In this role, he advocated for a new investment initiative -- a $100 billion U.S.-Africa Investment Fund -- contributed to equally by Africa and the United States. This project is one of many which demonstrates Soborun's leadership role in the Ambassador's Group, promoting trade both regionally and internationally.

In a 2012 letter to Soborun regarding the AGOA extension, Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee for Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, Karen Bass (D-CA) revealed, "There is no question, your efforts to inform and motivate the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate led to yesterday's success", preceding an award for "his service to advance the AGOA" in September of the same year. In fact, he was known even to the State Department as "Mr. AGOA."

Mr. Soborun is a dear friend and congenial colleague to many, and as described by former Mauritius Ambassador Chitmansing Jesseramsing, "Gentlemanly, sober and always respectful Mr. Soborun showed readiness at all times to take on added responsibilities. His hard work and dedication is demonstrated not only to the people that he represents, but also to the colleagues he engages with on a regular basis."

Ambassador Serge Mombouli of the Republic of the Congo hosted a farewell reception for Ambassador Soborun where he revealed, "We thank you for everything you have done. We thank you for the contribution to our group… We thank you on behalf of Africa…we even thank you on behalf of President Obama because you did a lot to get Africa and the United States closer in business, and investment, trade and development issues".

With such an abundantly successful career to date, Leadership Africa USA wishes His Excellency Somduth Soborun the very best in his future endeavors. His time as Ambassador will continue to be a source of inspiration for all as to what we can accomplish when we work together.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2014 Leadership Africa USA. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.