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SOUTH PACIFIC
In the Comfort Zone
Having served 11 years as Ambassador of Singapore in Washington invariably invites the question,"So how have things changed?" I conclude: fundamentally diplomacy in Washington has remained the same. It is both business and a game. In some other capitals it may be mostly a game, then business. But Americans, no matter which administration or party is in control inCongress, are business-like and prefer to deal with substance when working with foreign diplomats. Unless you have a real issue,it is difficult to get access. Occasionally it is a game - that is posturing, stage management, signaling and the rituals, on both sides. 
Personalities have changed over the years and they add diversity. As always, the challenge is getting to know the new players of each administration, and even the changes in the same administration. Finding the "go to" persons and to be able to go to them is the priority of every diplomat.
In Singapore's case, the last decade has seen enormous changes in our bilateral relationship with the United States. It is not that Washington has changed so much as Singapore has changed. As a country, we have become a multi-faceted little nation and considered a player in chosen fields - a trade and investment partner, a defense partner, an active interest in culture, education, technology, the knowledge industries, maritime shipping, energy and environment. There are now many more levels at which we can engage with the United States and work on common concerns.
Personally I have found working in Washington as a diplomat to be remarkably exciting and rewarding.You can develop real friendships that are long lasting and meaningful, building a network over time. This network becomes your "zone of comfort." If you do not have it, you don't miss it. If you have it, you wonder how you could have done without it.
 AUSTRALIA
AMBASSADOR: Dennis Richardson
SPOUSE: Betty Richardson CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036, 202-797-3000 RESIDENCE: 3120 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008, 202-797-3000
 BRUNEI
AMBASSADOR: Pengiran Anak Dato Puteh
SPOUSE: Datin Kamilah Bind Abdullah CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 3520 International Ct. NW, 20008, 202-237-1838
 EAST TIMOR
CHARGE D'AFFAIRES: Constancio Pinto
SPOUSE: Gabriela Pinto CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 504,202-966-3202
RESIDENCE: 1220 East West Hwy.Apt. 1522, Silver Spring, Md. 20910
 FIJI
AMBASSADOR: Jesoni Vitusagavulu
SPOUSE: Silina Vesinawa Vitusagavulu CHILDREN: Three
EMBASSY: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW 20007, Suite 240, 202-337-8320
 INDONESIA
AMBASSADOR: Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat
SPOUSE: Nunung Kuncorowati Parnohadiningrat CHILDREN: Three EMBASSY: 2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036, 202-775-5200
 MARSHALL ISLANDS
AMBASSADOR: Banny de Brum
SPOUSE: Honor Note de Brum CHILDREN: Four
EMBASSY: 2433 Massachusetts Ave.NW, 20008, 202-234-5414
RESIDENCE: 3212 Brooklawn Terrace, Chevy Chase Md. 20815
 MICRONESIA
CHARGE D'AFFAIRES:James Amando Naich
SPOUSE: Angelina Prestipino Naich
EMBASSY: 1725 N St. NW, 20036, 202-223-4383
 NAURU
AMBASSADOR: Marlene Moses
EMBASSY: 800 Second Ave. Suite 400D, NY, N.Y., 10017, 212-937-0074 RESIDENCE: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400a, NY, N.Y
 NEW ZEALAND
AMBASSADOR: Roy Ferguson
SPOUSE: Dawn Ferguson CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 37 Observatory Circle NW, 20008, 202-328-4800
RESIDENCE: 27 Observatory Circle NW, 20008, 202-328-4800
 PALAU
AMBASSADOR: Hersey Kyota
SPOUSE: Lydia Shmull Kyota CHILDREN: Six
EMBASSY: 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 400, 20006, 202-452-6814 RESIDENCE: 2214 Creek Dr., Alexandria, Va. 22308
 PAPUA NEW GUINEA
AMBASSADOR: Evan Jeremy Paki
EMBASSY: 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW Suite 805, 20036, 202-745-3680
 PHILIPPINES
AMBASSADOR: Willy C. Gaa
SPOUSE: Erlinda Gaa CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036, 202-467-9300
RESIDENCE: 2253 R St. NW, 20008
 SAMOA
AMBASSADOR: Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia
SPOUSE: Maria Lei Sam-Elisaia CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 800 Second Ave. Suite 400D, NY, N.Y. 10017,212-599-6196
 SOLOMON ISLANDS
AMBASSADOR: Collin David Beck
SPOUSE: Helen Beck CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 800 Second Ave Suite 400L, NY, N.Y. 10017, 212-599-6192
 TONGA
AMBASSADOR: Fekitamoeloa Tupoupai Utoikamanu
SPOUSE: Siosiua Utoikamanu CHILDREN: One
EMBASSY: 250 East 51st St., NY, N.Y. 10022, 917-369-1025
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