As a retired member of the United States Foreign Service, I was proud to represent the interests and values of America in a number of countries over my 32 years of service. Such duty abroad can often be unhealthy, dangerous, and unrecognized.

This week, my active duty colleagues in the Foreign Service will celebrate Foreign Service Day, designated by the United States Senate in 1996 as the first Friday in May each year.

On this occasion I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the critical work done by America’s diplomats and development professionals at U.S. embassies and consulates in almost every country in the world.

America’s network of embassies is operated and staffed by members of the U.S. Foreign Service who have learned the local language and customs and know how to navigate the terrain. They act on America’s behalf to enhance our national security and advance our economic prosperity at home. American businesses depend greatly on U.S. diplomats to work with countries to establish rules and remove obstacles to enable them to compete and operate overseas on a level playing field. When American businesses expand their reach across the globe, they create new opportunities and open new markets.

Readers may be interested to know that in fiscal year 2017 North Carolina-based companies were approved to export $352.97 million worth of articles and services to customers abroad.

This economic diplomacy and public diplomacy by members of the Foreign Service is increasingly critical as our country faces growing challenges to our global leadership, particularly from competitive powers such as Russia, Iran and China.

I urge support of the full use of our diplomatic efforts to help to maintain American global leadership in all areas to preserve the security and prosperity of the American people and to protect the core value of liberty in the United States.

— Milton L. Iossi

Salisbury