On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Uruguay as you celebrate the 187th anniversary of your independence this August 25th.

Uruguay’s significant contributions to advancing peace and human rights have served as a beacon for individuals and countries the world over. We value your continued support of peacekeeping missions all across the globe – no country contributes more proportionately than Uruguay. We also commend Uruguay’s commitment to transparency and rule of law.

As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you. We look forward to strengthening the ties between our countries, and to expanding our cooperation in educational exchanges and other fields as we work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous world.