SPECIAL SECTION: GALA 2006

Letter from the Mayor of San Francisco

Mayor Gavin Newsome of San Francisco (Photo: Office of the Mayor, San Francisco)

August 14, 2006

His Excellency Aubrey Hooks

Ambassador of the United States of America

Dear Mr. Ambassador:

On behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each of you on the occasion of the second annual Gala Soiree at the United States Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire. 

San Francisco and Côte d’Ivoire enjoy a wonderful relationship that has been strengthened through the years by the presence and positive contributions of the Ivorian community to the social, political, and economic life of San Francisco.

San Francisco’s sister city relationship with Abidjan, which was established in 1986, has provided many unique opportunities for promoting cultural understanding and stimulating economic development between our two regions.  I am committed to deepening the mutual understanding and friendship between San Francisco and Abidjan through lively implementation of various exchange projects and building an even more productive relationship for the future.

Today, we celebrate the friendship between San Francisco and Abidjan on the occasion of the second annual Gala Soiree.  I wish you all the best for an enjoyable day!

Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom

Mayor