On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Fiji on the 40th anniversary of your independence this October 10. We hope to continue building upon the bonds of respect and good will that have long existed between Fiji and the United States.

As you celebrate your Independence Day, the United States continues to stand with the people of Fiji and encourage the values of democracy and freedom. I wish all Fiji Islanders a happy holiday on this auspicious occasion.