Robert Gates references World Food Prize at Secretary of Defense Confirmation Hearing

Dr. Robert Gates speaks at the Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium in Des Moines, IA, held by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Dr. Robert Gates, a keynote speaker at the 2006 Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium, spoke of the remarks he gave in Des Moines at the World Food Prize event during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on December 5, 2006.

When asked about the opium crisis facing Afghanistan by Senator Elizabeth Dole, Gates said, "Senator Dole, I think it's very important. And as a matter of fact, just by coincidence, a couple of months ago, I gave a speech at the World Food Prize ceremonies in Des Moines and addressed this issue."

Gates was nominated by President Bush to serve as Secretary of Defense in November. The Senate Armed Services Committee approved Gates' nomination on December 6, and he is scheduled to be sworn in on December 18.

View the transcript of Robert Gates' senate testimony (PDF).

View or listen to Robert Gates' Norman E. Borlaug Symposium remarks.

View a brochure with excerpts of his remarks (PDF).