[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HIS EXCELLENCY BADER OMAR AL-DAFA, AMBASSADOR OF QATAR TO THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize His Excellency Bader Omar Al-Dafa, a distinguished diplomat, 
current Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, and 
alumni of Western Michigan University. In 1975, Ambassador Al-Dafa, 
earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Western Michigan 
University, and I am pleased that on October 15, 2004, he will receive 
the prestigious Alumni Achievement Award in Political Science from 
Western Michigan University.
  Ambassador Al-Dafa's long and distinguished career began in 1976 as a 
diplomatic attache at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha. He has 
since served as ambassador in numerous posts, most recently as 
ambassador to the Russian Federation. Prior to this assignment, he 
served as non-resident ambassador to Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and 
Estonia; ambassador to France and non-resident ambassador to Greece; 
ambassador to Egypt; and ambassador to Spain. While serving in Cairo, 
Ambassador Al-Dafa was his country's permanent representative to the 
Arab League. Prior to serving as ambassador to the United States, 
Ambassador Al-Dafa served as the director of European and American 
affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha.
  As ambassador to the United States, Bader Omar Al-Dafa's solid 
understanding of America and over 25 years of diplomatic experience 
strengthens the warm relationship between our two countries. His 
efforts to build relationships and foster understanding between 
America, Qatar and the Arab world through his work and his support for 
initiatives in the Arab-American community have earned him the respect 
and admiration of my colleagues in Congress and the citizens of 
Michigan.
  I know my colleagues join me in congratulating Ambassador Al-Dafa for 
his distinguished service and the prestigious honor that Western 
Michigan University will confer on him. I extend to him my hopes for 
continued success and for an enduring relationship between our two 
countries. I also extend my best wishes to Ambassador Al-Dafa's wife, 
Awatef Mohamed Al-Dafa, and their three children.

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