NASSAU, Bahamas – A priority of the enduring relationship between The Bahamas and the United States is the conclusion of a Proliferation Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement to combat the rise of weapons of mass destruction, said newly appointed United States Ambassador to The Bahamas, Ned Siegel.

During a ceremony at Government House, Governor General His Excellency Arthur Hanna accepted Letters of Credence from US President George W Bush, accrediting attorney and businessman Ned Siegel as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The Governor General also accepted the Letter of Recall of former US Ambassador John Rood, whom he said served The Bahamas with distinction.

His Excellency said he was confident that Ambassador Siegel’s tenure would prove productive in furthering bilateral cooperation between both countries.

"I gladly accept your commitment to further strengthen United States/Bahamas relations in many areas inclusive of illegal drugs, illegal immigration, defending human rights, advancing democracy, and anti-terrorism," the Governor General said.

Ambassador Siegel alluded to the close and productive bilateral partnership that exists between both Governments, including the joint efforts to combat narcotics trafficking through Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT).

"We have made significant strides in these areas. The establishment of the mega ports and container security initiative programmes in Freeport has made important progress in our joint efforts," the Governor General said.

He noted that The Bahamas was particularly appreciative of the most recent demonstration of the joint partnership through the United States’ assistance provided following Tropical Storm Noel.

"We are confident that your pledge to utilise your business expertise to advance trade and investment between our two countries will promote economic opportunities and provide linkages between our business communities," the Governor General said.

He added that The Bahamas appreciates efforts that the US Embassy team has made through its promotion of literacy and reading in Bahamian schools and that the country welcomes the initiatives foreshadowed in forging mutually beneficial academic exchanges.

Ambassador Siegel acknowledged that both countries enjoy a close and productive bilateral partnership rooted in the many direct ties established between the two.

"The Bahamian and American people share a commitment to the values of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights," he said. "It is these values, together with our common interests and geographic proximity that make The Bahamas one of our closest operational partners in the Western Hemisphere."

"My Embassy will also continue to support the operational partnership between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the US Coast Guard to deter the illegal migration, which, in fact, affects both of our countries," the Ambassador said.

"Our cooperation is vital to defeating the terrorists and preventing weapons proliferation," he said, adding that the US and The Bahamas took important steps in the past two years by establishing the Mega ports and Container Security Initiative programmes in Freeport.

"To expand our joint efforts to combat the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we look forward to finalising a Proliferation Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement," Ambassador Siegel said.

The US Ambassador said he intends to use his business experience to promote expanded trade and investment between both countries. "One of the most effective ways to ensure security and stability in the hemisphere is to promote economic prosperity, development and opportunity." he said.

The Ambassador also pledged to support the flow of people and ideas by ensuring the Embassy Counsular Section provides first-rate visa services for Bahamians and vital assistance to US citizens.