Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08OTTAWA1414
2008-11-05 17:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ottawa
Cable title:  

PM HARPER CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA

Tags:  PREL PGOV CA 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHOT #1414 3101714
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O 051714Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8694
INFO RUCNCAN/ALL CANADIAN POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS OTTAWA 001414 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CA
SUBJECT: PM HARPER CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001414

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV CA
SUBJECT: PM HARPER CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA


1. (U) In a statement on November 4, Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper offered congratulations to
President-elect Barack Obama and all incoming Members of
Congress and Governors. He pledged to continue to cooperate
to "strengthen the special bond" between our two nations.
(Full text in para 3.)


2. (SBU) Comment: The bilateral relationship with the
U.S. remains of paramount importance to Canada, and PM Harper
and members of his Cabinet will be keen quickly to establish
productive working relationships with the Obama
administration. Many Canadians also strongly hope that,
given the importance of these ties, Canada will be the first
destination of the new President in 2009, or that Prime
Minister Harper will receive one of the first invitations to
meet the next President. End Comment.


3. (U) Begin text
Statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the election of
Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of
America

4 November 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

On behalf of the Government and the people of Canada, I want
to congratulate Senator Barack Obama for his victory in
tonight's United States Presidential Election.

I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we
can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists
between Canada and the United States.

In the weeks and months ahead Canadian officials and
diplomats will be working closely with members of
President-elect Obama's transition team. Ministers in our
government look forward to building a strong working
relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet.

I would also like to congratulate all incoming Members of
Congress and Governors. Given the challenges facing the
world economy, it is vital that Canadian and American
legislators continue to work together on the important issues
facing families on both sides of the border.

End Text

Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at
http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada

WILKINS