LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

UNCLAS STATE 048531


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL IS
SUBJECT: LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA
TO ICELAND PRIME MINISTER JOHANNA SIGURDARDOTTIR


1. Please deliver the following message from President
Obama to Iceland's Prime Minister. The White House does
not plan to release the text of the message but has no
objection if the Government of Iceland wishes to do so.
There will be no signed original.


2. BEGIN TEXT:

Dear Madam Prime Minister:

Please accept my congratulations on the renewal of your
mandate as Prime Minister and your party's success in
Iceland's recent elections. I look forward to working
with you closely.

The United States greatly values its strong relationship
with the government and people of Iceland, which is
based on our common democratic values and our
commitments as allies. I remain dedicated to ensuring
these ties become even firmer.

The United States and Iceland have worked together on
numerous initiatives over the past decades, including on
disarmament and promoting respect for human rights.
Among new challenges, we must work together to ensure
success in addressing the global economic crisis and in
meeting new demands posed by the transformation in the
Arctic.

I wish you and your government every success as you
serve your nation during a period of great challenges
and even greater opportunities. You can count on my
friendship and that of the American people.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

END TEXT.

CLINTON