On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of Peru as you celebrate your independence July 28.
The United States has called Peru a friend since soon after José de San Martín crossed the Andes and swept into Lima to proclaim freedom and independence for all Peruvians.
Today, our two countries are working to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Our joint efforts promote economic prosperity, education, science and technology, environmental protection, social inclusion, and citizen security.
We celebrate the 5th anniversary of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement this year as well. It has been an unqualified success that has bolstered the economic prosperity of both our nations.
Peru and the United States share a long tradition of academic and cultural exchange and partnership. Nearly 1,000 Peruvians have pursued degrees in the United States through funding from the William J. Fulbright Fellowship program.
Our cooperation on environmental protection helps to preserve Peru’s incredible biodiversity and fight climate change across the globe. We look forward to working with Peru as it prepares to host the December 2014 “20th Conference of Parties” meeting (COP-20) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
On this day of celebration, the United States looks forward to continued friendship and successful collaboration with Peru in the years to come.