On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Sweden on the occasion of your National Day this June 6. The history of our friendship dates back to the earliest days of American independence when Sweden was among the first to recognize our young republic. Swedish immigrants and their descendants have made a profound contribution to virtually every aspect of American life.
This is also an opportunity to reflect on the values that guide this friendship and partnership today. Together, we are working on humanitarian and development efforts around the world. We are committed to the future security of Afghanistan and Libya. Our relationship with Sweden touches virtually every aspect of human activity, from promoting internet freedom, developing alternative energy resources, and building sustainable cities, to the peaceful exploration of the Arctic and cutting-edge information technology research.
We can be proud of what our two nations have accomplished, and I am confident that even greater achievements lie ahead.
