RON THORNBURGH
Secretary of State |
STATE OF KANSAS |
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
(785) 296-4564
www.kssos.org
|
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Tuesday May 08, 2001
Contact Information
Jesse Borjon, Communications Director
Office of the Secretary of State
(785) 296-4580
jesseb@kssos.org
THORNBURGH LEADS DELEGATION TO CUBA
Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh will lead the Kansas State Leadership Initiative to the
Republic of Cuba. The trip is organized and sponsored by the People to People International Ambassador
program. The leadership delegation will travel to Havana, Cuba on Saturday, May 12 and return on Saturday,
May 19. The 16-member delegation is comprised of leaders from business, education and government. The
delegation will meet with Cuban professionals to learn about involvement and opportunities in business and
agriculture in Cuba.
President Eisenhower founded the People to People International Ambassador Program in 1956. The
basic goal of the organization is to enhance tolerance and understanding among all people and to offer a unique
experience for international professional exchange.
Highlights of the exchange will include touring exhibits on Cuban science, technology, and culture. A
visit to the Pinar del Rio province and the Las Tarrazas community to study a model village that is touted as
one of Cuba’s prime ecotourism sites. And visiting with Cuban experts on important aspects of the economy
and foreign investment.
“Our trip to Cuba will open potential partnership opportunity for Kansans. There have been
recent discussions of easing the trade embargo against Cuba, which could ultimately lead to business
opportunities for Kansas,” stated Thornburgh. “We have a bright and diverse delegation that will
represent Kansas well and I look forward to a cultural and educational experience.”
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