the State of Rio. Each of them arrived in Maryland radiating the
same spirit of good-will and friendship which has so impressed me
since I have been here. When these four visitors arrived in Maryland
I felt as though I was meeting old friends, not strangers; and I have
had this same feeling repeated over and over again since my arrival
in the State of Rio.

To me it is this indefinable quality of friendship — an almost in-
stinctive understanding that surrounds each personal relationship as
it is formed — that is making, and will continue to make, the Partners'
relationship between our two States a permanent and continuing one.
And as long as our two States continue to have the opportunity to
expand and enlarge these personal contacts between our citizens, I
know that the Partners' relationship will always grow and flourish.
The start we have made on this program during the past year has been
a good one and a solid one. The most significant strides have been in
the area of increased educational opportunities at the elementary and
secondary school levels for the children of both the State of Rio and
the State of Maryland. Still before us lie the realization of programs in
agriculture and 4-H exchange; technical assistance in the field of rural
electrification; exchange of art exhibits and other cultural activities;
and the development of a program of student and faculty exchange in
higher education.

Since the Partners' Program both here and in Maryland is essentially
one that must operate for the most part on funds derived from the
private sector, we know that none of these goals will be achieved easily
or overnight. Nevertheless, the dedication of the members of the
Partners' committees in both States and the increasing interest being
shown both by private citizens and by the two State governments will,
I am certain, bring each of these projects through to successful
accomplishment.

In conclusion, I would like once again to express to you, Governor
Torres, and to the members of this distinguished body, my deep and
heartfelt appreciation of the high honor which you have accorded me
in permitting me to address you on this memorable occasion. May
I also extend to each of you, personally a cordial invitation to visit
your home State of Maryland. Just as we in Maryland are all
"Fluminenses", so you in the State of Rio are all true Marylanders.

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