It was a big day for soft diplomacy, as Bay Area politicos and VIPs gathered to greet Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his first visit to Silicon Valley. The West African nation’s delegation received a warm welcome at San Jose Mineta International Airport on September 26th, from a group that included Mayor of Santa Clara Lisa Gillmor, who presented a proclamation from the city. Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deana Tryon and Ambassador Steve Lang, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, also paid their respects.
The State Department announced it was reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Africa’s “digital transformation” and “deepening partnerships” between the United States and Senegal. President Faye attended meetings in Palo Alto, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara with representatives of Nvidia, Arm and Skylink, among others. Tryon stated that the region was “honored” with the President’s presence, and hoped for “productive cooperation” with Silicon Valley businesses.
The Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, the event’s host organization, assists government and business leaders in Silicon Valley and internationally in matters of protocol. The office represents 53 cities and 5 counties outside of San Francisco, and their mission includes helping strengthen relationships between local and international governments and businesses.
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
