The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING AMBASSADOR YURI KIM
______
HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated career diplomat who has devoted her life to public service, Ambassador Yuri Kim.
I first met Ambassador Kim years ago when we worked together on Iraq policy. Like so many others around the world who have worked alongside her, my initial thought was one of gratitude for her contributions to our team. Ambassador Kim is a thoughtful, compassionate, and committed diplomat who can masterfully leverage her deep knowledge and her magnetic charisma to the task at hand. It's no surprise that Ambassador Kim was confirmed to her position by voice vote in the U.S. Senate--
she's one of the best that our country has to offer and I'm proud to call her a friend.
In August, when dire circumstances required us to scramble and reach out to potential countries that could host our group of Afghan evacuees, Ambassador Kim jumped into the breach. Our team called the embassy in Tirana and she personally returned our call--setting in motion a chain of events that led to more than 100 lives being saved. That we were able to cross paths in the way that we did is a testament to the power of relationships and how they can change the course of history.
All leadership starts at the top, and our embassy staff in Tirana is a powerful example of putting country over self in order to complete a mission. They are truly learning from the best, in the same way that Ambassador Kim learned from the best as a special assistant to the late Colin Powell. There are no words to express the relief and the joy that I felt after that initial call with Ambassador Kim. I--and my entire team--are forever in her debt.
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Ambassador Yuri Kim for her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new life. For her efforts to marshal the resources and personnel of our Embassy in Tirana and for her quick and efficient actions that undoubtedly saved lives in their hour of greatest need, I submit these words--may they stand as a tribute to her dedicated service when the moment called for it most.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(2)
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