Secretary of State John Kerry wishes Dominican Republic a Happy Independence Day

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sent a message congratulating the Dominican Republic on it 170 years of independence.

Secretary of State John Kerry issued the following congratulatory message:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the Government and people of the Dominican Republic on the 170th anniversary of your independence.

The United States is proud of its thriving Dominican-American community. Each and every day, some 1.5 million Dominican-Americans contribute to our nation’s economic vitality and culture while maintaining a deep connection with their Dominican roots.

In the spirit of friendship and mutual respect, the people of the United States are working with the people of the Dominican Republic on citizen security, economic opportunity, clean energy development, and respect for human rights.

As you gather in celebration, I wish you a happy Independence Day.