On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Venezuela as you celebrate the 203rd anniversary of your independence.

Our two nations were founded on principles of freedom and equality. Both of our countries fought long, hard wars in order to secure the rights, freedoms, and sovereignty to which all people aspire. And both of our countries still celebrate our visionary founding fathers whose heroism and statesmanship inspire the world to this day: George Washington and Simon Bolivar.

The difficulties and disagreements in our official relationship in recent years do not change the United States’ commitment to the people of Venezuela and our continued support of all Venezuelans as you seek a more democratic, prosperous, and healthy future.