Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend my congratulations to the people of the Republic of Korea on the celebration of your Independence Day on August 15.

"Our bilateral partnership continues to thrive based on our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Our enduring relationship brings opportunities and prosperity to our two countries, and our critical security alliance brings peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

"As our friendship strengthens, we have opened many new frontiers of cooperation, such as cyber, space, climate change, and global health. These efforts demonstrate how together we can make the world safer and healthier.

"As we cooperate on many shared global priorities, the American and Korean people have built lasting people-to-people ties. Perhaps this is best evidenced by the more than 60,000 Korean university students that study in American schools each year.

"On this special day, the United States joins the Republic of Korea in celebrating your success, culture, and history. I wish all Koreans a wonderful and joyful holiday celebration."