CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO SECRETARY CLINTON

UNCLAS HANOI 000072 DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV VM SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO SECRETARY CLINTON ¶1. Post is relaying the text of a letter of congratulations dated January 22, 2009 to Secretary Clinton from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Pham Gia Khiem. ¶2. Begin Text: Dear Madam Secretary, On behalf of the Government of Vietnam I have the great honor to extend to you my congratulations on the occasion of your confirmation as the State Secretary of the United States of America. The Government and people of Vietnam always treasure the kind sentiments and precious support that you and President Clinton accorded to Vietnam, especially during normalisation of the relations and the establishment of friendly partnership and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Today, Vietnam-US relations have been fully normalised in all spheres and are growing under a more in-depth and effective framework. Cooperation in the economic, commercial, scientific and technological, educational and training areas as well as in the joint humanitarian efforts to overcome the consequences of the Vietnam War have indeed brought about important benefits to our two peoples. The increased cooperation between Vietnam and the United States at international and regional foras, particularly at the UN Security Council, has actively contributed to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the world. There remain great opportunities and potentials for the two countries to elevate our relationship to a new plateau, living up to the expectations of our two peoples. I do hope that the cooperation between our two Foreign Ministries will also be further enhanced for the sake of the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. Please convey my best regards to Mr. Clinton and Chelsea. Please accept, Her Excellency, my best wishes for your health and success in your new and important noble position. With warmest regards, Yours sincerely, Pham Gia Khiem End Text. MICHALAK