Hillary praises Mamata`s hospitality

KOLKATA: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the hospitality through a letter.

Expressing hope that the American partnership will help West Bengal achieve its full potential, Hillary’s letter stated that she looks forward to see the US partner with people of West Bengal to help the state achieve its full potential

"It was a pleasure meeting you and I enjoyed our conversation about the shared history of Chicago and Kolkata as well as our shared aspirations for the future,” State Secretariat sources said here today quoting the letter.

The US secretary of state also thanked Ms Banerjee for her presents - flower paintings and exquisite textile and books - which, she said, would "serve as a lovely reminder of our meeting and Bengal`s rich culture and heritage".

Hillary had an hour-long meeting with Mamata on May 7 and discussed various issues, including US investments in West Bengal.

BDST: 1459 HRS, MAY 31, 2012
Edited by: Maria Salam, Asst Output Editor