Posted by Hillary Rodham Clinton on Feb 16, 2009 - 01:12 PM
![Dignitaries welcome Secretary Clinton at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Feb. 16, 2009. [State Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0216_tokyo_arrival3_m.jpg)
I am delighted to post my first entry to the DipNote community upon arriving in Tokyo, the first stop on my first trip as Secretary of State.
In addition to Tokyo, I will also be visiting Jakarta, Seoul, and Beijing this week where I hope to demonstrate America's sincere intention to develop broader and deeper relationships with nations throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Over the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of traveling to a very different Asia. Today, Asia is on the cutting edge of so many of the world's innovations and trends. In making my first trip as Secretary of State to Asia, I hope to signal that we need strong partners across the Pacific, just as we need strong partners across the Atlantic. I have become fond of saying that America is as much a transpacific power as it is a transatlantic one.
The Obama Administration believes that the futures of the United States, countries in Asia and around the world are increasingly inextricably linked. As you may know, I spoke from the Asia Society in New York City on Friday afternoon where I outlined the opportunities that I see for stronger bilateral, regional, and global cooperation and ongoing collaboration to deal with the economic crisis, to strengthen our alliances, to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to build on efforts to face challenges like climate change, clean energy, pandemic healthcare crises and so much more.
As I've said before, America cannot solve the problems of the world alone, and the world cannot solve them without America. A Chinese aphorism says, "When you are in a common boat, you need to cross the river peacefully together." The wisdom of that aphorism must guide us today.
During my travels, I intend to take advantage of new social media tools so the State Department can share its diplomatic work with a broader audience. I invite you to use these tools and become a part of this conversation. Be sure and visit DipNote throughout the week for updates from the trip. If you have questions for me during my trip and beyond – send me a question through the newly launched Ask the Secretary feature at www.state.gov.
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Pauline from Florida writes:
Greetings Madame Secretary,
It was great to see the new face of American diplomacy today. You represent all that is good about America.
I applaud you for your strength, your poise, and your commitment to your country.
My prayers are with you. You never fail to inspire me.
P.S. So sorry that "first laddie" was unable to accompany you. Hope you enjoyed the roses, :)
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009
Greetings Madame Secretary,
It was great to see the new face of American diplomacy today. You represent all that is good about America.
I applaud you for your strength, your poise, and your commitment to your country.
My prayers are with you. You never fail to inspire me.
P.S. So sorry that "first laddie" was unable to accompany you. Hope you enjoyed the roses, :)
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009
Terry in Connecticut writes:
Great pic and good luck Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. You will do us proud over the next week representing Pres. Obama and the U.S.. Godespeed!
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009
Great pic and good luck Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. You will do us proud over the next week representing Pres. Obama and the U.S.. Godespeed!
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009
Rosemary in New Jersey writes:
Dear Mme. Secretary,
How nice to see a post directly from YOU! I was happy to see the photo feed of your arrival at Yahoo this morning. You are certainly the smiling face of the U.S.A. to the world. You looked like you really enjoyed meeting the athletes of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, and I'll bet they were proud to meet you as well.
My favorite part of your post was the section about taking this tour outside of the ministerial buildings into the town hall context for a chance to listen to the people and their concerns. Of course your friends all know that this is a very important part of how you operate. It's one of the things we love so much about you. (We talk about you all the time).
Stay safe and well. We are watching and listening with pride, love, and the fascination you always generate when your brilliance is manifest. We see that and we say, "Wow! Do that again!" (Then you always DO!).
Hugs from NJ
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009
Dear Mme. Secretary,
How nice to see a post directly from YOU! I was happy to see the photo feed of your arrival at Yahoo this morning. You are certainly the smiling face of the U.S.A. to the world. You looked like you really enjoyed meeting the athletes of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, and I'll bet they were proud to meet you as well.
My favorite part of your post was the section about taking this tour outside of the ministerial buildings into the town hall context for a chance to listen to the people and their concerns. Of course your friends all know that this is a very important part of how you operate. It's one of the things we love so much about you. (We talk about you all the time).
Stay safe and well. We are watching and listening with pride, love, and the fascination you always generate when your brilliance is manifest. We see that and we say, "Wow! Do that again!" (Then you always DO!).
Hugs from NJ
Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009