Washington - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the United States had many diplomatic achievements during her tenure and hailed the US as a country that has stood for freedom and democracy around the world. "I have been so lucky to be the chief diplomat for a country that has never sought empire, and understands that power is only good when it is married with principle," Rice said in farewell remarks to State Department staff in Washington.
"I know, as secretary, we have achieved a lot," said Rice, who first served as President George W Bush's national security adviser before becoming secretary of state at the start of Bush's second term.
Rice said the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that came to define Bush's presidency had created challenges, but also an opportunity to "act on what America really believes."
Rice did not cite any specific global challenges she faced during her time in office, but instead reflected on the goals of achieving democracy around the world and sticking to the principles that defined the United States.
Rice said she maintained a faith that "freedom and liberty are going to spread to the day that no man, woman, or child will ever live in tyranny."
"Americans believe that. And we believe it not because we think it is easy to see freedom spread, but because we know it's necessary to see freedom spread," Rice said.
President-elect Barack Obama takes office on Tuesday. Hillary Clinton, Obama's one-time rival for the presidency, will be replacing Rice as secretary of state.
