Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has given a farewell address to her colleagues as she stepped down from her post. Speaking before a cheering crowd at the State Department building in Washington, DC, Clinton thanked everyone for their hard work, saying she is pleased with their accomplishments.
Hillary Clinton said, "But I am proud of the work we have done to elevate diplomacy and development, to serve the nation we all love, to understand the challenges, the threats and the opportunities that the United States faces, and to work with all our heart and all our might to make sure that America is secure, that our interests are promoted and our values are respected."
Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has given a farewell address to her colleagues as she stepped down from her post. [Xinhua] |
Clinton also struck a somber tone when she mentioned Friday's attack on the U.S. embassy in Ankara. A suicide bomber killed a Turkish security guard when he detonated his explosives outside an entrance to the building.
Finally, Clinton ended her speech by encouraging her fellow diplomats to continue to make themselves, as well as their country proud. Clinton's departure marks the end of over three decades of public service. She has filled the roles of First Lady, senator, and secretary of state. She also ran for president against current President Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries.