On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Mexico as you celebrate the 205th anniversary of your country’s independence.

We are very proud of our shared ties of family and friendship, common values and ideals, and shared geographic and cultural history with Mexico. Together, we promote democratic ideals at home and abroad. We combat the global threat caused by climate change. Through academic, private sector, and governmental collaboration, we have propelled cross-border innovation. Shoulder to shoulder, we invest in our people and our industries to ensure that North America is the most competitive region in the world.

As a native Bostonian with deep respect for our own Founding Fathers, I salute those other brave men that fought for Mexico’s liberty and freedom, especially the priest who famously made the “cry for independence,” Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. May that same spirited call for independence strengthen Mexico’s vibrant democracy.

As you gather this year to celebrate with family and friends, I wish you a happy independence day.

¡Viva Mexico!