HKSARG LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS TO

UNCLAS HONG KONG 002045 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, EAP/CM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV HK SUBJECT: HKSARG LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA REF: STATE 118192 ¶1. (U) Below is the text of a letter of congratulations to President-elect Obama from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. We will forward the original, and fax a copy, to EAP/CM. ¶2. Begin text: Mr. Barack Obama President-elect United States of America Dear President-Elect Obama: On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, I extend my sincere congratulations to you on your election victory. Your win heralds a new chapter in history - not just for the people of the United States, but for the relationship between your country and the rest of the world. We are confident that, under your leadership, the United States will remain committed to the ideals of open trade, and will play a leading role to stabilise global financial markets during this time of turmoil. I can assure you that Hong Kong, as a global financial centre, will work closely with the United States and other international partners to restore calm and confidence to the market. I take this opportunity, also, to extend to you an open invitation to visit Hong Kong, which is home to one of the largest concentrations of American citizens and business interests in Asia, including more than 850 companies with regional offices or operations. Hong Kong and the United States have long enjoyed a cordial and fruitful relationship and I look forward to strengthening that relationship during your Presidency. With my best wishes, Yours truly //signed// Donald Tsang Chief Executive End text. DONOVAN