On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the people of Tuvalu in recognition of the 41st anniversary of your independence on October 1.
The United States has been a friend of Tuvalu since your independence in 1978, and our close ties extend back to earlier generations. We welcome your commitment to advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with other democracies in the Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Japan. Your successful hosting of the 50th Pacific Islands Forum in August provided a critical venue for necessary dialogue among key partners present in and committed to the region.
We look forward to deepening our partnership, strengthening democratic institutions in the region, and promoting sustainable and accessible economic growth in the Pacific.