MESSAGES FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH

UNCLAS MANAMA 001453 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR AND NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL AMGT BA SUBJECT: MESSAGES FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH AND VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY ON FTA ¶1. (U) On September 15, 2004, post received letters of congratulations from Prime Minister Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa to President Bush and Vice President Cheney on the signing of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement. Original documents are being sent by pouch to the desk. ¶2. (U) Begin text of letter to the President: 15 September 2004 Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, I would like to congratulate you and the Government of the United States of America on the signing, on 14 September 2004, of the Free Trade Agreement between our two countries. It is both a historic and momentous occasion and augers well for the development of even closer trade ties and the further expansion of our bilateral relations. I would like to acknowledge, with thanks, the work of our respective negotiating teams who have helped bring the Agreement to fruition. With my best regards, Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain End text of letter to the President. ¶3. (U) Begin text of letter to the Vice President: 14 September 2004 Mr. Vice President, On behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain I send congratulations to you and the government of the United States of America. Today's Free Trade Agreement signing between our two nations is a momentous occasion. I am sure we both recognize the devotion of both our teams in bringing this agreement to a successful conclusion. With my best regards, Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain End text of letter to the Vice President. MONROE