On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Honduras on the 195th anniversary of your nation’s independence.

The United States is pleased to have a valued partner in Honduras. My government values deeply our ability to work together to strengthen democratic institutions, improve security, promote economic growth, and foster an environment in which the rule of law is upheld and human rights are respected. We also value the many people-to-people contacts that help to build friendship between us and to bring our two countries closer together.

To all Hondurans at home and abroad: I wish you a year filled with peace and prosperity.