US Ambassador in Moldova becomes doctor honoris causa of State University of Medicine, Pharmacy in Chisinau

Chisinau, 15 May /MOLDPRES/ – The ceremony of handing over the title of Doctor honoris causa to the US Ambassador to Chisinau, James D. Pettit, took place today at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Nicolae Testemitanu".

The rector of institution, academician Ion Ababii, appreciated merits of American diplomat in development of relations between Moldova and USA, especially, within medicine.

According to rector, USMF "Nicolae Testemitanu" has been working with US institutions for about 20 years. Among partners are: The International American Healthcare Alliance and Eastern Virginia School of Medicine – Norfolk/Portsmouth, School of Dentistry and Eshelman School of Pharmacy of North Carolina University in Chapel Hill, School of Medicine and Healthcare Sciences, George University Washington, Fulbright scholarships for university professors and others.

At his turn, Ambassador James D. Pettit mentioned that for three years, since he has been in Moldova, his mandate was a firm supporter of Moldova's cultural heritage.

"Your country is rich in history, language and art, and as such, various projects which have been sponsored within the Ambassadors for Cultural Conservation Fund, including safeguarding of Gagauz language and culture, and restoration of frescoes from "Assumption of Virgin" from Causeni, are among achievements I am proud of. I am also proud to have succeeded in continuing with long tradition of cooperation with the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, which recently culminated in a ten-day visit to North Carolina for six of your Ph.Ds. The personal relationships developed within these exchanges form the backbone of our cooperation in all areas, and I am confident that experiences of participants will have long-term positive effects on their teaching, research and collaboration," said James D. Pettit.

The American official thanked for high distinction that was given to him. "Thank you very much for honour to offer me this honorary degree. It is proof not only of work that we have done here in the country, but also of successes we have achieved together. I would like to inspire and inspire others to advance on the path of reform, democratisation and prosperity. Just as one's education can never be complete, we must continue to strive for excellence in our countries, in our universities and in ourselves," said US diplomat.

James D. Pettit arrived in Moldova in January 2015. Starting November 2010, the Ambassador was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Services to Citizens Abroad, the Office of the State Department Consular Affairs Office.

Prior to it, Ambassador Pettit was Deputy Head of Mission at the US Embassy in Kiev (2007-2010), General Council at the US Embassy in Moscow (2003-2007) and General Council at the US Embassy in Vienna (1999-2003).

He graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in International Studies and Russian Language and is a Master in National Strategic Studies – National War College. He speaks Russian, Spanish, German, Mandarin dialect of Chinese, and a few months before coming to Moldova studied Romanian. He is married and has two daughters.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor A. Raileanu)