SPAIN-U.S. AFRICA CONSULTATIONS

UNCLAS STATE 077109 SIPDIS SIPDIS KINSHASA FOR BRAZZAVILLE, LONDON, PARIS, BRUSSELS, ROME FOR AFRCIA WATCHERS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING CAPTION) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL OTRA SP AU SP SUBJECT: SPAIN-U.S. AFRICA CONSULTATIONS REF: MADRID 1075 (NOTAL) ¶1. PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY RICE TO FOREIGN MINISTER MORATINOS. THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT PLAN TO RELEASE THE TEXT OF THE MESSAGE BUT HAS NO OBJECTION IF THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN WISHES TO DO SO. THERE WILL BE NO SIGNED ORIGINAL. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT: Dear Miguel: Thank you for your letter informing me about Spain's initiatives to promote security and development in Africa. The continent faces some great challenges, and your leadership and involvement in addressing those challenges is extremely important. I am impressed that you have already discussed these matters with the Chairperson of the African Union. The African Union and AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Omar Konare are valued partners in our work toward a freer, safer, and more prosperous Africa. We are currently working with Congress to designate a U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, and we expect the African Union will open a representative office in Washington, D.C. this summer. I would like to collaborate further wiyh you on these matters of mutual interest, and I will have my Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Dr. Jendayi Frazer SIPDIS contact her counterpart in your government to arrange for a joint meeting. Sincerely, Condoleezza Rice END TEXT. RICE