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Independence Day Celebrations in the Kingdom of Swaziland

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Washington, DC: On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate His Majesty, King Mswati III, and the people of Swaziland on the 42nd anniversary of your independence this September 6.

The United States salutes Swaziland's increasingly bold leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we are committed to supporting the Kingdom's efforts to make treatment available to all affected individuals. We will also remain a full partner with Swaziland as you seek to strengthen good governance and rule of law, and promote economic development.

We are proud that more than 1,700 Americans have joined Swazi communities through the Peace Corps to foster cultural ties between our nations and help address local challenges. Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini's personal support for our volunteers has been critical to ensuring the success of their work, and we look forward to expanding the program further with the new education project in 2011.

I wish all the people of Swaziland a safe and joyous holiday with a peaceful and prosperous year to come.

Source: U.S. Department of State