Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people and government of the Czech Republic as you celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia.

Our nations share a deep friendship and an abiding commitment to democracy and the rule of law. We stand united in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. The Czech Republic has demonstrated that commitment through close military cooperation, humanitarian assistance, support for refugees and its efforts to ensure the transit of Ukrainian grain to feed a hungry world. The United States is grateful for your courage and leadership.

The values we share have led to collaboration and progress on other critical international issues. Together, we are creating clean energy solutions to address the climate crisis, deepening international cooperation in space through the Artemis Accords, and investing in the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

I wish you a wonderful National Day. I look forward to strengthening our bonds of friendship and alliance to the benefit of our peoples and the region.