Khalilzad Visits AUAF Campus

Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, paid a visit to the campus of AUAF on 26 November 2008 to speak with students, faculty, and staff about their progress since the University’s founding.

Speaking directly to the youth in the room, he said "I am delighted to see faculty and guests, but most importantly the students. This institution will chart their course to be a success, and to make their country a success."

Ambassador Khalilzad has a long history with the site of the University. "This institution has a place close to my heart. I remember playing basketball here when it was the American School," he said.

"Later, I attended the American University of Beirut and saw how a good American university served the people of Lebanon, the people of the Middle East, and the whole world, including Afghanistan."

The University was founded in 2003, during Ambassador Khalilzad’s tenure as U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. His support for the University was instrumental in its establishment.

"AUAF continues to be grateful to Ambassador Khalilzad and the U.S. government for their strong support of the University and its students," said AUAF Acting President Dr. Athanasios Moulakis.

Speaking of his future plans, he said "It is my intention that when I finish with my government responsibilities, I will spend some time helping this institution and the American University of Iraq."