On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send our best wishes to the Colombian people on the 203rd anniversary of your nation’s independence this July 20.

Our deep bonds of friendship date back almost 190 years to the signing of a General Convention of Peace, Amity, Navigation, and Commerce in 1824, our first treaty with another country in the Americas. Since then, the binding ties between our countries have only grown stronger. We share a commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and maintain strong political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.　　　

The United States stands by Colombia as it advances peace, economic development, and prosperity for all its citizens. We applaud your contributions to regional stability and security, from your reconstruction efforts in Haiti to the promotion of law enforcement and justice sector reforms throughout Latin America.

On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish all Colombians a safe and joyful Independence Day. The United States looks forward to deepening our cooperation in the years to come.