CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM DR. BINGU WA

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000709 STATE FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-0, AND AF/FO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MI OPDC OVIP PREL SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM DR. BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF MALAWI TO PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA REF: STATE 118192 ¶1. (U) The following text was sent in a letter by Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi to President-Elect Barack Obama on November 6, 2008. The original document will be sent via unclassified diplomatic pouch to the attention of S/ES-CR. BEGIN TEXT: Your Excellency, I have learned with great joy about your election to the high office of President of the United States of America. The Government and the people of the Republic of Malawi, happily join me in extending to Your Excellency, heartfelt congratulations on this election. Your decisive victory both in the Primaries and the Presidential Elections clearly shows the confidence and trust that the people of the USA have in Your Excellency's capabilities to change your country and lead the people towards achieving higher political, social-economic growth and prosperity. Your Excellency, several decades ago, Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream that one day the black people in America would take their rightful position in the management of the USA and world affairs. Today, you have fulfilled that dream. Your victory, Excellency, is a victory for Africa. It is a victory for a better world. It is a victory for the voiceless. You have elevated the black race. Excellency, I am happy to say that Malawi and the United States of America have enjoyed very cordial relations for a very long time. Our countries have voted on the same side in numerous forums in the United Nations and other international forums. The Government of Malawi will continue to do so under your leadership. It is my sincere hope that they fraternal bonds of friendship that exist between our two countries will continue and will be strengthened for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. Excellency, I convey to you my best wishes for your personal good health and that of your family. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI END TEXT SULLIVAN