U.S. OFFERS WARMEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF TURKEY ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY

FROM:  STATE DEPARTMENT 
National Day for the Republic of Turkey

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 28, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my warmest wishes to the people of Turkey as you celebrate 90 years since the founding of the Republic of Turkey on October 29.

Our nations share a long history of friendship and cooperation based on common interests and values. As close NATO Allies for over 60 years, we have worked together to promote peace and prosperity around the world. The United States values our close working relationship with Turkey on a range of critical global challenges, including Syria, countering terrorism, and economic cooperation.

During my first 100 days as Secretary of State, I visited Turkey three times in order to continue this important work. I enjoyed the warm hospitality of many friends in Ankara and Istanbul and laid a wreath at Anitkabir in honor of Ataturk. This past May, I was delighted to join Foreign Minister Davutoglu at the White House when President Obama hosted Prime Minister Erdogan.

Our alliance is especially strong because of the close ties between our people. Turkey sends more students to American colleges and universities than any other European country. We are also seeking to strengthen commercial ties between American and Turkish businesses, as well as to deepen the social and cultural ties that bind our people together in friendship.

I wish Turkey and its citizens a happy holiday as you celebrate this special anniversary. The United States looks forward to deepening our cooperation as you carry forward Ataturk’s vision of a strong, free, and democratic Turkey.

U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC ON THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 
On the Occasion of The Czech Republic's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 25, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the Czech Republic on the 95th anniversary of your independence on October 28.

My personal connection to the Czech Republic reaches back into my own family tree. Ten years ago, I learned that my grandfather was a son of a master brewer from the small town of what is now Horni Benesov, and my brother, Cameron, just this month traveled to your country to help learn more about our family’s roots and see firsthand this town we’d only read about in the newspapers. Our family’s immigrant story is like so many, stronger because of the ties that bind our two peoples.

Our connection is grounded not only in the past but in the present. Today, the United States and the Czech Republic share a close and collaborative partnership as NATO allies. We are especially grateful to the Czech Republic for serving as our protecting power in Syria. Our bilateral relationship continues to mature into a comprehensive partnership based on shared values and common approaches to regional and global challenges.

The United States and the Czech Republic work together to promote the development of strong democratic institutions in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Southeast Asia. We are committed to expanding our economic ties, and we greatly appreciate the role the Czech Republic plays in support of those fighting for basic human rights across the globe, from Iran to Cuba to Belarus and beyond.

As you observe your Independence Day, the United States celebrates with you as a close friend and steadfast ally.

U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF SPAIN ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 
On the Occasion of Spain's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 10, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Spain as you celebrate La Fiesta Nacional de España on October 12.

I have personal, vivid memories of traveling to Spain as a young man, and I remember a bull charging behind me in Pamplona. As our bilateral relationship has grown stronger over the years, I’d like to think that some of us have also grown wiser.

The United States and Spain have built a strong friendship over a long and shared history. Our troops have stood shoulder to shoulder in Afghanistan as NATO allies, and our ships are currently conducting anti-piracy operations together. We are working to promote democracy, enhance international peace and security, and promote shared economic prosperity that benefits us all.

Our bilateral trade relationship continues to thrive, giving both of our economies a needed boost. Spain is one of the fastest-growing investors in the United States, and American companies employ thousands of Spaniards. These ties will only grow deeper as we move forward with the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Our alliance is also strengthened by the warm friendship between the people of our two countries. The United States is a country with deep Hispanic roots. Spanish art, literature, and music have enriched American culture beyond measure. These shared riches unite us as we look to the opportunities of the future.

As you observe La Fiesta Nacional de España, the United States celebrates with you as a close friend and steadfast ally.