Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people and government of Somalia on your 56th Independence Day on July 1.

"The United States supports Somalia as it continues its progress towards building a stable, federal democracy. We remain confident that this year’s electoral process will be another step forward on Somalia’s path to democracy, security, and prosperity.

"The United States was pleased to welcome the formal reopening of the Somali embassy in Washington, D.C. last November. We are equally pleased to be sending our first U.S. ambassador to Somalia in 25 years.

"As I mentioned during my visit to Mogadishu last May, Somalis are a resilient people. On this day of celebration, I wish all Somalis peace and joy."