AMBASSADOR GIFFORD: Good evening, good evening. You never want a speaking program to get in the way of the food, especially on a night like tonight. But really, what a treat to see everybody here tonight. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the U.S. Department of State.
For those of you who I don't - who I don't know, I am Rufus Gifford. I am chief of Protocol of the United States, and I'm just so, so thrilled to see this group here tonight to relaunch the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. At the - yes. (Applause.) At the State Department, we know that the heart of diplomacy is so much more than words, meetings, and moments alone. It is about creating the environment that brings us together to overcome barriers and sharing a bit of the best of your culture, which create foundations for dialogue and discussion.
There is a reason why so much of our diplomatic work occurs around a lunch or a dinner table. Food serves as one of our most important tools to build bridges, create connections, and deepen relationships. This is a personal passion of mine. While serving as an ambassador overseas and again through this program, I have sought to tell a story about the U.S. in part through the richness and diversity of our culinary traditions - a richness and diversity that the chefs right here in this room represent. And through the culinary - Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, we will seek to do just this.
We are honored to be joined in this endeavor by the James Beard Foundation, America's preeminent culinary arts organization. Firsthand, we in the Office of Protocol and the broader State Department have seen the organization's dedication to making America's food culture more diverse and sustainable for everyone, and there is no organization that has a better finger on the pulse of American cuisine.
Through this initiative, we will seek to find innovative ways of embracing food, hospitality, and community as diplomatic tools to engage world leaders, further cross-cultural dialogue, and strengthen our bilateral relationships, all the while having a little bit of fun and creating a little bit of joy. And we're lucky to be supported by so many of you in this room. Thank you to our Kitchen Cabinet tonight who are here in attendance. (Applause.) Also thank you to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and the American Master Chefs' Order for supporting this evening's festivities. (Applause.)
