On behalf of the people of the United States – and from one great capital to another – it is my pleasure to congratulate the people and Government of Australia, and the residents of Canberra on the milestone of Canberra’s 100^th anniversary.

I take pride in the contributions of Americans Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin to the design and development of Canberra. This is only one instance of our peoples’ close relationship and long-standing tradition of collaboration.

Whether it is working together contributing to stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, or on critical global issues on the United Nations Security Council, we could not ask for a better friend and ally than Australia. As Canberra enters its second century, I wish all Canberrans every success, and I look forward to the opportunity to visit Australia.