Washington, DC - Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State ` "On behalf of the United States government, I congratulate the Zimbabwean people on the 40th anniversary of your independence.

"The United States supports the people of Zimbabwe, and I commend the many Zimbabweans who have displayed heroism and courage in the face of adversity.  We stand with all those in Zimbabwe who strive toward the governance and economic reforms needed to usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and democracy.

"As the people of Zimbabwe commemorate your Independence Day, we celebrate our people-to-people ties and look forward to the Government of Zimbabwe taking the necessary steps to allow for strengthened cooperation."