Press Releases: Panama's Independence Day
Press Releases: Panama's Independence
Day
10/31/2014 05:18 PM
EDT
Panama's Independence Day
Press
Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington,
DC
October 31, 2014
On behalf of President Obama and
the people of the United States, I congratulate the people
of Panama as you begin Fiestas Patrias celebrations
on November 3.
The Republic of Panama has much to
celebrate this year. You marked the 100-year anniversary of
the Panama Canal. Your government created the Panama
Bilingue initiative which will significantly increase
educational exchanges between our two nations. And you
inaugurated a new president after a spirited campaign.
I
was honored to attend President Varela’s inauguration this
July. I watched as thousands of Panamanians in Rommel
Fernandez Stadium celebrated another peaceful transfer of
power – the hallmark of a strong democracy. I visited
Panama as a young Navy officer in 1969. To return to your
country decades later and witness the great strides you have
made in bringing prosperity to your people and building a
lasting democracy is remarkable.
Alongside all
Panamanians, the United States looks forward to the upcoming
Summit of the Americas and the expansion of the Panama
Canal. You have a pivotal role to play in helping further
democratic ideals, advancing the role of civil society,
protecting human rights, and expanding economic development
for the benefit of all peoples of our hemisphere.
On this
day of celebration, I send best wishes to all Panamanians.
Felicidades!
ENDS