BENIN: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF JULY 4,

UNCLAS COTONOU 000432 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, AND AF/W FOR DBANKS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL PGOV BN SUBJECT: BENIN: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF JULY 4, 2008 ¶1. The embassy received a letter dated June 26, 2008 from President Yayi to President Bush expressing congratulations on the occasion of the 4th of July. The original letter will be sent to AF/W by pouch. ¶2. Begin informal translation of letter: Dear Mr. President and Dear Friend: On the occasion of the celebration of the 4th of July 2008, the anniversary of the United States of America, I have the pleasure to wish your Excellency, in the name of the Government and the Beninese People, and in my own name, my great and warm congratulations. On this happy circumstance, I would like to commend the friendly and cooperative relationships which unite our two Countries and reiterate my availability to work together for their reinforcement. Your historic and unforgettable visit to my country gave a new impetus to bringing our countries together and opened new avenues of cooperation that I would like to be dynamic and long-lasting for the happiness of our two countries. By renewing my sincere congratulations, please receive the wishes of health and happiness that I wish you and the members of your family, as well as those of peace and prosperity for all the American people. Please accept, Mr. President and Dear Friend, the expression of my highest consideration. Yours warmly, /Signed/ Dr. Boni Yayi End informal translation. BROWN