Environmental activities can maintain Sabah-US diplomatic ties

KOTA KINABALU: The organizing of environmental activities can maintain diplomatic ties between Sabah and the United States of America (US).

Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai asserted that such programmes may not only strengthen the ties when held together with the US embassy but also give an added value to domestic tourism.

“The ambassador had asked me on the best programme that could foster our relationship with them (US) and I told that programmes concerning environmental conservation are the best.”

He was speaking during The America Days Sabah 2018 press conference here yesterday.

According to Yeo, a total of 100 trees will be planted from Gleneagles to the city seaside walkway to mark the 150 years of Sabah-US ties.

The planting that will take place on June 28 will also involve the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Christina Liew to show the support towards the long-lasting relationship.

“We will plant the trees together with the (US) embassy.

“The Kota Kinabalu City Hall is very honored to have the event; apart from promoting our tourism, the close ties with the embassy which also involve student exchange programmes among other long term activities could be realised,” he said.

The America Days Sabah 2018 which celebrates 150 years of US good partnership with Sabah starts today and will culminate on June 28 with a celebration of the American Independence Day.

Among the programmes that will be held are bike ride and street cleanup for environmental conservation and jazz performances by Gabrielle Stravelli who will collaborate with local musicians.

English teaching workshops and learning for teachers and secondary schools will also be held in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Not only that, American skateboarders Jimmy Cao and Cheryl Jumae will also host skateboard classes, teaming up with local skateboarders to showcase the power of sports diplomacy.

Source: New Sabah Times