On behalf of the people United States, I would like to offer warm wishes and congratulations to the people of El Salvador as they celebrate the 188^th anniversary of their independence on September 15. Across El Salvador, families will join in patriotic parades and festivities to honor those who fought for their independence, heroes such as Father José Matías Delgado, Manuel José Arce, and others. This will also be a day of festivities for Salvadorans in the United States, who have contributed so much to our culture and our prosperity.

Our two nations are united by bonds of family, culture, and history, and a partnership that is building a brighter future for all our people. We are working together through the Merida Initiative to strengthen democratic institutions, improve the safety of our citizens, and promote social justice and economic opportunity. On this historic occasion, let me reaffirm the commitment of the United States to work with El Salvador to strengthen our partnership and deepen our friendship.