On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of Colombia as you celebrate your independence on July 20th.

As you mark this historic day, Colombians can celebrate significant progress in your quest for a just and lasting peace. Sustaining this progress has required courage, leadership, and determination. The stakes are too high to take anything for granted, but the perseverance of President Santos, his negotiating team, and all the Colombian people has created the opportunity to unleash your country’s full potential as a vibrant democracy and economic engine.

The February visit of President Santos to the United States highlighted the strong ties between our nations. In addition to meeting with business leaders and government officials, including President Obama, President Santos underscored the power of culture and the deepening friendship between our peoples. Americans are still talking about the amazing talent of the dancers and acrobats of Delirio!

The United States will stand by Colombians as you continue on your journey to peace. On February 4th, President Obama pledged U.S. support through “Paz Colombia,” which will provide a strategic framework for strengthening and expanding our already robust partnership. And in just two weeks, we will meet for our sixth High Level Partnership and Security Dialogues to further define the ways in which we will work together in the future.

Saludos y felicidades a todos los colombianos en su día de independencia!