CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT ELECT

UNCLAS LOME 000619 FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, AF, AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC OVIP PREL TO SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT ELECT REF: STATE 118192 The following faxed letter was received from Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Togolese Republic. No original has yet been received, but post will pouch to the Department upon receipt. Begin text: Lome, November 5, 2008 His Excellency Barak Obama The President-Elect of the United States of America Washington Dear Mr. President-Elect: It was with great interest that I watched the presidential election on November 4, 2008, which resulted in your brilliant access to the highest office. In these joyful circumstances, I would like to address to you, in the name of the Togolese people and in my own name, our most sincere and warm congratulations. I am confident that under your leadership the United States will be more prestigious and will show more engagement towards peace and prosperity in the world. I would also like to use this happy opportunity to express my dearest wish to see the relations of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Togo strengthened and developed for the benefit of our two nations. Please accept my wishes of well-being and full success in your future functions, and the assurances of my highest consideration. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe President of the Togolese Republic End Text. HAWKINS