On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Barbados on the occasion of your 48th year of independence on November 30.

The United States and Barbados share a long history of friendship and cooperation based on common interests and values.

We are working together to advance citizen safety through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

We are deepening our economic ties through the Caribbean Basin Initiative, which grants duty-free entry into the United States for many goods.

And we are expanding opportunities for our students through the EducationUSA college fair organized by our Embassy in Bridgetown. We are proud that more than 30 American universities participated in this fair. Educational exchange programs can have a transformative impact, which is exactly why they are such a high priority for me as Secretary of State.

On behalf of the American people, I wish you a happy and fulfilling Independence Day.