Office of Global Strategies Hosts Open House for International Partners
News & Happenings
October 15, 2009
Cindy Farkus (center), Assistant Administrator for the Office of Global Strategies, greets Galma Boru, Deputy Chief of Mission, Republic of Kenya, as Ambassador Peter Ogego of the Republic of Kenya (second from left) is greeted by Dan Furlong, Director of the OGS Business Management Office, and Ann Zipser, OGS Director of Global Policy and Programs. Photo by Brigitte Dittberner
Relationships with many of TSA's closest international partners were strengthened at the first open house to be hosted by the Office of Global Strategies on Oct. 5 at agency headquarters in Arlington, Va.
The event's primary goal was to develop closer ties to embassy officials responsible for transportation portfolios in order to advance TSA's objectives. It recognized the unique and important relationship between TSA and embassies located in our nation's capital.
The approximately 40 guests represented TSA's closest international partners and nations with last point of departure service to the United States. Guests included Ambassadors and Deputy Chiefs of Mission for Kenya, Kuwait and Malta, and Diplomats for Australia, Austria, Belgium, People's Republic of China, Cape Verde, Egypt, European Commission, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Jordan, New Zealand, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
Acting Administrator Gale Rossides greeted the guests and thanked them for sharing TSA's commitment to furthering its work with international partners.
OGS Assistant Administrator Cindy Farkus said that since TSA's creation, the mission of our international partnership programs has been to increase transportation security by working proactively with key partners, multilateral and regional organizations, and private sector stakeholders, all in concert with other U.S. government agencies.
She noted that her office has supported international sporting events, shared information and experts in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, and worked on issues ranging from the liquids ban to deploying Federal Air Marshals.
TSA, Farkus said is "here to work with you any time, day or night, to protect our global transportation system from evolving threats and to support you during critical events or crisis. We are proud to say that, in many cases, we are able to send teams of specialist around the world, in less than half a day, should you need them."
She said OGS has created effective mechanisms for information sharing, collaboration and partnership with foreign authorities and stakeholders through international and technical cooperation activities, training and assistance, expert-level working groups, and bilateral and multilateral meetings.
Farkus emphasized that TSA employs a risk-based approach overseas by providing 29 aviation security courses to 21 countries; reviewing and strengthening verifiable auditing mechanisms, such as the Foreign Airport Assessment Program; and working with over 40 new foreign/all-cargo air carriers seeking service to the U.S.
The open house highlighted several key TSA programs, including the foreign dignitary facilitation program, new security technologies, checkpoint Evolution/black diamond, advances and improvements in airport operations, air cargo security, mass transit, ports and intermodal, pipeline, freight rail, airports and air carriers.
The foreign dignitaries mingled with TSA subject matter experts and visited TSA program office information tables, enhancing their understanding of how TSA initiatives relate to the agency's mission and strategic goals.
