USRCC Ambassador Series Dinner Honoring Ambassador Pickering

On March 5, I had the very great honor of hosting the  U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Series dinner honoring Career Ambassador Thomas Pickering, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston.

Ambassador Pickering is a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1989-1992) and to Russia (1993-1996). His illustrious career also included ambassadorships in India, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria and Jordan.

To an audience of about 130 members, several former U.S. ambassadors, several consul generals and many high-level executives, Ambassador Pickering spoke eloquently about Russian politics, international relations and economic concerns.

His speech addressed current economic challenges while expressing great optimism, especially about the excellent potential for U.S. companies doing business in Russia.

Regarding politics, he noted the importance of understanding the difference between facts and opinions. Very memorably, he said that he believed politicians should take an oath similar to a doctor’s, to “do no harm” in their practice.

The USRCC Ambassador Series spotlights Russian-American relations and provides a unique opportunity for us to interact with and learn from those with a hands-on understanding and experience of the past and current state of international business and politics, and a clear vision for forward movement.

We greatly enjoyed meeting Mr. Pickering, and we hope to see him at an event here in Chicago in the future.