On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Andorra as you celebrate Our Lady of Meritxell’s Day this September 8.

The ties between our two nations date back over 200 years when Andorra’s wood and iron exports furnished the vessels setting off to America’s shores. Andorra has long set a global example of how strong commitments to human rights and tolerance translate into social and economic progress. We look forward to building new avenues of partnership between our two countries and finding new ways to promote our shared values of democracy and the rule of law.

Congratulations and best wishes on this special day. I hope the year to come is filled with peace and prosperity.