President Obama and Secretary Hilton Congratulate on Czech National Holiday

October 27, 2010

Czechoslovak Independence Day Poster

 
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton congratulated the Czech Republic on the occasion of the Czech statehood holiday on October 28. They underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and their cooperation in many areas.

The letter of President Barack Obama to his Czech Counterpart Vaclav Klaus:

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I extend my warmest wishes to you and the people of the Czech Republic this October 28 as you celebrate the independence of your country.

The Czech Republic is a valued ally of the United States and we are united by our solemn commitment to one another’s security, and by our ties of kinship, common ideals, and shared responsibility. The Czech Republic is a global leader in promoting democracy and human rights. The United States deeply appreciates these efforts, as well as our partnership in promoting stability, security, and prosperity in Kosovo and Afghanistan. As we continue our cooperation around the world, I am confident that our partnership will further strenghten and deepen.

Sincerely yours,

Barack Obama

Statement of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Czech Republic as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence on October 28.  Today we honor the passion for freedom and democracy that inspired Tomas Masaryk to establish a new state in 1918, and that lives on in the vibrant democracy of the modern Czech Republic. 

The United States and the Czech Republic work closely together on issues from promoting human rights and advancing our collective security to encouraging scientific research and development.  Our long friendship is cemented by the millions of Americans of Czech descent with strong family and cultural ties to the region.

We are also joined by our mutual commitment to defend individual freedom, democracy, and human rights as allies in NATO.  Czech soldiers serve bravely in the NATO missions to Kosovo and Afghanistan, and they have earned the respect and admiration of partner countries.  We honor their commitment and sacrifice as they help the Afghan people secure their future.

I wish all Czechs a safe and happy independence day.  I look forward to working together as we continue to expand the cooperation between our countries and strive to build a future defined by peace, prosperity, and freedom.