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Fitial expresses delight over Tarifa’s visit
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Posted on Oct 12 2004
“I am very happy that they came to visit us,” said House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, referring to Albanian Ambassador Fatos Tarifa and Dr. David Funderburk, who recently left the CNMI after a brief but enjoyable stay.
Fatos Tarifa is the Albanian ambassador to the United States, Mexico, and Panama. David Funderburk, who accompanied Tarifa, was the U.S. ambassador to Romania. He is also a former U.S. congressman from North Carolina. Both men hold doctorate degrees and have lectured at various universities.
Fitial noted that the two men “were very happy to meet our people and see Saipan and Tinian.” The Speaker also mentioned that the two dignitaries would like to return to the Marianas again. They plan to visit Rota next time.
The trip to Saipan had been an historic first for Tarifa, who joked that he was probably “the first Albanian to visit Saipan in 3,000 years.”
Fitial invited Tarifa and Funderburk to visit the CNMI back in May of this year. He accompanied the two dignitaries throughout most of their tour of Saipan and Tinian.
The Speaker noted that the two guests had “a great time” and enjoyed the local hospitality, “feeling right at home, communicating warmth and goodwill to the people they met.”
“I am happy that we can establish such friendship and cultural exchange with the people of Albania through Dr. Tarifa,” said the Speaker. “This was also an opportunity to display the warmth and hospitality of our culture and people to our distinguished guests,” added the Speaker.
Fitial expressed thanks to 2004 Miss CNMI-World Tracy DelRosario and 2004 Miss CNMI South Pacific Louiena Pangelinan for serving as CNMI goodwill ambassadors by volunteering their time to greet and host the two dignitaries. He also commended the Senate and the Governor’s Office, as well as the Department of Public Safety and his colleagues in the House, for helping to make our dignitaries feel safe and welcome.
“I also thank Thomas J. Camacho of the Disabilities Council for facilitating Ambassador Tarifa’s visit,” said the Speaker. “Tom is also a great ambassador for the CNMI.” (PR)
