Meridian Welcomes Five New Ambassadors to Washington

On March 3, 2022, Meridian International Center hosted an evening reception to welcome newly arrived foreign ambassadors to Washington, DC.

Meridian honors new ambassadors twice a year through Welcome to Washington receptions, which provide Chiefs of Mission with an opportunity to meet and engage with a cross-section of Washington leaders from the government, business, and policy communities.

(From Left to Right) Vivian de Rivero Barreto, His Excellency Oswaldo de Rivero (Ambassdor of Peru), His Excellency Georg Sparber (Ambassador of Liechtenstein), Megan Beyer, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Her Excellency Mariangela Zappia (Ambassador of Italy), Ann Stock, Her Excellency Lilit Makunts (Ambassador of Armenia), and His Excellency Ahmed Boutache (Ambassador of Algeria).

Meridian CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday and Senior Official for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Jennifer Hall Godfrey provided special remarks acknowledging the ambassadors’ pivotal roles in strengthening international relations. Building relationships in Washington is crucial for diplomats to exchange information and promote bilateral cooperation on a wide variety of global issues.

This reception introduced five new ambassadors from Algeria, Armenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Peru. Many distinguished guests from Meridian’s network were present, including The Hon. Ed Royce (U.S. Representative, R-CA, 2013-2019), The Hon. James Blanchard (Governor of Michigan, 1983-1991) and Mrs. Janet Blanchard,The Hon. Clarke Cooper (Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs), Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith, The Hon. Reta Jo Lewis, Ambassador Rufus Gifford, Jennifer Hall Godfrey, Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Ambassador Kathleen Doherty, Ambassador Vinai Thummalpally, Meridian’s Board of Trustees, Diplomatic Engagement Advisory Committee, Global Leadership Council and Corporate Council were also well-represented. 

Special thanks goes to the sponsors of the evening, Poligage and Sahouri Insurance.