On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of Costa Rica as you celebrate 193 years of independence.

The United States and Costa Rica are natural partners rooted in our long history of democracy. We congratulate you on the recent presidential elections, another in a string of peaceful transfers of power. We look forward to continuing our work with President Solis and his administration.

Just as schoolchildren will parade down the streets this evening, shining their faroles in the night, so Costa Rica has been a beacon of light in the world for peace and democracy.

As the concluding line of your anthem says, “Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!”