Clinton to Uruguay: Happy Independence Day!

Today is the 185th anniversary of Uruguay’s independence from Brazil in 1825, and in honor of the occasion, Secretary Clinton has issued the following statement, calling Uruguay a "leader in advancing peace and social justice":

Happy Independence Day, Uruguay. On August 25th, the United States joins you in celebrating your many accomplishments this past year, and in honoring your leadership in our region and across the world.

During my visit to Montevideo in March, I had the privilege of meeting with your President and discussing the many ways in which our nations are working together to address common challenges. And I certainly got a taste of Uruguayan warmth and hospitality, and of the friendship that exists between our peoples. The United States is proud of our partnership with Uruguay – a partnership deeply rooted in our common commitment to democratic ideals and individual freedoms. Uruguay’s elections earlier this year, and your success in forming a unified government, are models of democratic pluralism that can and should be emulated around the world.

Your country is a leader in advancing peace and social justice, both at home and abroad. And you have made important contributions to the ongoing recovery efforts in Haiti, and to peacekeeping missions all across the globe.

I wish all of you a safe and happy Independence Day celebration. We look forward to continuing the close relationship between our countries in the coming years, and expanding our cooperation into new areas as we work together toward a safer, more peaceful, more prosperous world. 

The video of her statement is here:

(In the photo above, Clinton meets with José Mujica on March 1, the day he assumed the presidency of Uruguay.)