President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the West African nation of Senegal received a warm Bay Area welcome as he was greeted by a phalanx of local luminaries on September 26. Upon his arrival at San Jose Mineta International Airport, President Faye was met by Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deana Tryon, who were on hand to kick off the President’s first Bay Area visit.
Among the other VIPs who welcomed the President were Michael Heath, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa; Ambassador Mamadou Ba and Honorary Consul of Senegal Mouhamet Dia. To mark the occasion, 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 was here to attend informational meetings with representatives of Nvidia, Arm and Skylink, among others. U.S. Coordinator for International Information and Communications Policy Ambassador Steve Lang also attended, and greeted the Senegalese delegation on the arrival red carpet. Protocol Chief Tryon stated that the region was “honored” by the President’s presence, and hoped for “productive cooperation” with Silicon Valley businesses and the fostering of business relationships in the future.
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
Drew Altizer Photography
