The citizens of Dominican Republic today celebrated their Independence Day.
Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti on 27th February 1844. Before the war, the whole island of Hispaniola had been under Haitian rule for 22 years when Haiti occupied the newly independent state of Haiti Espanol in 1822, according to wikipedia.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Estonia on their National Day.

Ms. Clinton says the United States and the Dominican Republic share a lasting friendship based on strong economic, cultural, and historic ties.
Both countries are working together through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to confront common challenges, advance regional security and promote justice.
Both countries are promoting trade and investment through partnership in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement.
She commends the Dominican Republic for hosting the Pathways to Prosperity Ministerial last October, which she was pleased to attend with leaders from around the region to discuss ways to promote broader economic opportunities and social inclusion.
“As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you. Best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.”-Ms. Clinton
The U.S. has a strong interest in a democratic, stable, and economically healthy Dominican Republic. The U.S. government considers Dominican Republic an important partner in hemispheric affairs.
The Embassy estimates that 100,000 U.S. citizens live in the Dominican Republic of which manjority are dual nationals. U.S. relations with the Dominican Republic are excellent. U.S. has been an ardent supporter of that country’s democratic and economic development.
On January 2011, the Central American parties, and the United States reaffirmed their strong commitment to work together to preserve and protect the environment through implementation of the CAFTA-DR Environment Chapter and the Environmental Cooperation Agreement. The successful joint efforts demonstrate that trade policies can accelerate the success of environmental initiatives and reinforce sustainable development as well as environmental conservation and protection.