THANK YOU LETTER FROM PRESIDENT TRIET TO PRESIDENT GEORGE

UNCLAS HANOI 002309 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR S/EX-CR, S/EX-O, AND EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC VM SUBJECT: THANK YOU LETTER FROM PRESIDENT TRIET TO PRESIDENT GEORGE ¶W. BUSH Ref: State 142315 ¶1. (SBU) On September 6, 2006, under cover of diplomatic note, the MFA sent the Embassy a letter from State President Nguyen Minh Triet to President George W. Bush. In the letter, President Triet thanks President Bush for his recent National Day message (reftel) and seeks the President's support for the quick passage in Congress of Vietnam's PNTR legislation. The MFA's translation of the letter follows in paragraph 2. The signed original and cover note will be sent via unclassified pouch. ¶2. (SBU) Begin text of letter to President George W. Bush: Message of Thanks Hanoi, September 6, 2006 The President The Socialist Republic of Vietnam To: His Excellency George W. Bush President of the United States of America Washington, D.C. Mr. President, On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your kind words of congratulations on the occasion of Vietnam's National Day. I fully share your view and desire to further speed up the strong momentum of our bilateral relations in the time to come. The 14th APEC Summit is coming near and Vietnam is finalizing preparations and working with member economies to ensure a fruitful and productive summit, contributing to further enhancing the role of APEC as we all wish. Vietnam highly values the United States' active cooperation in this preparation process. We are indeed glad to also have the opportunity to welcome you and your spouse to pay an official visit to our country. We believe that your visit will constitute an important milestone and open a new chapter in the friendship between our two countries. In that spirit, I believe it is necessary for our two countries to make an effort to complete the last span of the bridge to normalizing our relations, namely the U.S. Congress' approval of granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Vietnam. I highly appreciate your personal attention and support to this issue as it is beneficial to both countries and hope that you will lend your prestige to facilitate this process in the U.S. Congress and its leadership. I am encouraged to know that the Government officials and business circles of the two countries, as well as those who desire to further strengthen Vietnam-U.S. relations, are making joint efforts to support this process and contribute to your successful visit to Vietnam. May I wish Your Excellency good health and every success in your noble position. May your family live in happiness and prosperity. We are looking forward to seeing you in Vietnam this November. Signed Nguyen Minh Triet End text of letter. MARINE