Cablegate: Maldives: Foreign Affairs Minister Sends

VZCZCXYZ0010
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLM #1102 1860651
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 050651Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3776

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001102

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV OPPC MV
SUBJECT: MALDIVES: FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER SENDS
INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO SECRETARY RICE

(U) The Embassy has received the following letter from
Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed to Secretary Rice:

Begin text:
Dear Ms. Rice,

I would like to extend warm greetings and sincere good wishes
to Your Excellency, the government and the people of the
United State of America on the occasion of the Independence
Day of the United States of America.

The Maldives and America enjoy close and cordial relations
based on mutual understanding and goodwill.

Over the past years, the United States of America has been a
close friend who has made major contributions to the economic
and social advancement of the Maldives, particularly in the
field of human resource development. As we in the Maldives
look ahead to an era of modern democracy and continued
progress, we are happy to have the United States as a staunch
partner and inspiration.

May I also convey my personal best wishes to Your
Excellency's good health and happiness, and further continued
peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the United
States.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest
consideration.

Yours sincerely,
Ahmed Shaheed
End Text.
LUNSTEAD

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