Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Dominican Republic on your 172 years of independence. Dominican-Americans are the fifth-largest Hispanic group in the United States, and our people-to-people ties grow stronger every year.

"Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the United States will continue working with your government to strengthen citizen security, democratic institutions, and adherence to the rule of law. We will build further on our joint commitment to a cleaner, more diverse, and more modern energy infrastructure through the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative. We will continue to partner with you on the 9-1-1 emergency response center and on a rich variety of educational, agricultural, youth, arts, and sports programs, and to support the social and economic inclusion of the most vulnerable in society. These partnerships contribute to an increasingly strong and mature friendship between our two countries and the United States is committed to further progress in decades to come.

"As you celebrate another year of independence with lively merengue, bachata, and baseball, know that the people of the United States celebrate alongside you and wish you a joyful day and much future success."