On behalf of the United States and the American people, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the people of Ecuador as they celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of their Proclamation of Independence (El Primer Grito de la Independencia), which took place in Quito on August 10, 1809. As the bicentennial festivities culminate on this day, I am sure that the plazas of Quito’s historic center will come to life with the thousands of Ecuadorians taking part in the liberty celebration.

We appreciate the long history of collaboration we have enjoyed with Ecuador and our cooperation on issues of mutual importance. May our shared commitment to democracy and development continue to join our nations together in friendship.

###