embassy events

Karen Hughes in Prague

Karen Hughes at the RFE/RL

The State Department Under Secretary for Public Affairs, Karen Hughes, visited Prague June 10-13.  The focus of her visit was to attend the annual Board meeting of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which is the 9-member corporate board of directors responsible for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).   During her visit, U/S Hughes participated in several media interview including a radio broadcast discussion at RFE/RL, an exclusive interview with Mlada Fronta Dnes (article published in the Wednesday, June 14, edition page B8) and was interviewed by Czech television.  In all of her media discussions, Hughes explained her strategy for reaching out to other cultures and societies as part of the U.S.-led global war on terrorism. She highlighted some of her initiatives including increased focus on people-to-people exchanges to promote greater cultural awareness and understanding.

Karen Hughes also cheered for the “Red, White, and Blue” team at a garden party for the USA-Czech Republic World Cup game at the U.S. Residence on June 12.  Several hundred Czech friends and U.S. Embassy staff watched the game, which was the first World Cup match for both teams.   Athletes of the Czech Paralympics team joined NHL hockey players Patrik Elias and Martin Havlat at the event.   Hughes took time during the match to answer questions from a dozen high school students who participated in the Prague Model United Nations.   The U.S. Embassy had provided financial support for the event, and policy briefings.  Under Secretary Hughes compared notes on global issues with the young future diplomats and talked about how she pursued a career in public service.   

The transcript of the RFE/RL interview can be found here.