THANK YOU LETTER FROM SECRETARY CLINTON FOR

UNCLAS STATE 066224

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID MARR OPDC RP ARF
SUBJECT: THANK YOU LETTER FROM SECRETARY CLINTON FOR
PHILIPPINES' HOSTING OF ARF EXERCISE

REF: MANILA 999


1. Please deliver the letter to Foreign Secretary
Alberto Romulo from Secretary Clinton at the earliest
convenience. Please also ensure that the Philippines'
government agencies mentioned in the letter receive a
copy. The Department does not plan to release the text
of the message but has no objection if the government of
the Philippines wishes to do so. No signed original
will follow.


2. Also, please notify EAP/RSP Kevin Sheives and
EAP/MTS Kevin Burgwinkle when the letter is delivered.


3. Begin Text:

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I want to thank you and the entire Philippines
government




for its successful hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum's
(ARF) Voluntary Demonstration of Response for Disaster
Relief. It was an honor for the United States to co-
sponsor with the Philippines this first-ever exercise
undertaken by ARF. The exercise's broad participation,
substantive impact in a number of Philippine communities,
and importance in providing a model for future concrete
ARF actions were each worthwhile benefits of the event.
In addition to your own staff, please convey my
commendation and appreciation for the diligent efforts
of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the
Department of National Defense, and the Armed Forces of
the Philippines.

I also want to thank you for your letter of June 4 and
your kind invitation to visit the Philippines on my way
to the ARF and ASEAN Ministerial meetings in Thailand.
I truly regret that my schedule will not allow me to
visit at that time. I look forward to seeing you in
Thailand.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

End Text.
CLINTON