Press Releases: Costa Rica’s National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 15, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States, we congratulate the people of Costa Rica on the 196th anniversary of your independence September 15.

The strength and depth of our countries’ relationship is evident not only in our joint efforts to promote regional prosperity and security, but also in the robust exchange between our peoples, including the more than one million U.S. citizens who visit, study, and conduct business in your beautiful country each year.

May the bond between our nations continue to be an example of the lasting partnership between vibrant democracies with shared values and common goals for our people.

Best wishes to all of Costa Rica as you celebrate your nation’s independence.






Press Releases: Mexico National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 15, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States, please accept our best wishes on the occasion of Mexico’s 207th anniversary of independence September 16.

The United States and Mexico are neighbors and partners, connected through family, educational, and cultural bonds, as well as important shared goals. We work together to secure our mutual border by dismantling transnational criminal organizations and reducing the flow of illegal weapons, migrants, and drugs. We strive to generate prosperity and advance rule of law and democracy in this hemisphere and beyond.

The United States of America wishes the Mexican people a happy Independence Day.






Press Releases: Honduras National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 15, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we offer congratulations to the people of Honduras on the 196th anniversary of your independence.

It is an especially fitting time to celebrate a country’s independence during an election year, when citizens renew their commitment to democracy and exercise the right to vote. We are committed to continuing our joint efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in the region.

Our two nations’ rich history of partnership and cooperation over many years has contributed to regional economic prosperity and security. The United States looks forward to continued advances in our bilateral relationship – now and for years to come. We wish you a happy Independence Day.






Press Releases: Guatemala National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 15, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States, we offer our congratulations to the people of Guatemala on the celebration of 196 years of independence.

As we affirmed at the June 15-16 Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America, the United States is committed to strengthening democratic institutions, bolstering security, and achieving greater prosperity for all Guatemalans. We remain committed to working together with Guatemala to advance these mutual priorities.

The United States of America extends its very best wishes on this proud day for the people of Guatemala.






Press Releases: U.S. and Nepal Sign $500 Million Compact


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 14, 2017


We are pleased to announce that today Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan joined Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Acting CEO Jonathan Nash, and Nepali Minister of Finance Gyanendra Bahadur Karki as they signed a new $500 million MCC compact – a five-year grant – with Nepal. The Nepali Government will contribute an additional $130 million to support the compact investment. This is the first compact for the Trump administration, the first compact in South Asia, and includes the largest upfront contribution by any partner country.

MCC’s Nepal Compact is designed to spur private investment and economic growth to reduce poverty. MCC’s investments will also support regional energy connectivity in South Asia by strengthening Nepal’s power sector and facilitating electricity trade with India. A stable and economically growing Nepal is in the best interest of not just the people of Nepal, but also the region and the United States. MCC’s work to support stability and strengthen institutions also helps countries withstand global threats such as conflict and natural disasters.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an innovative U.S. Government agency created to fight global poverty in select poor countries with a demonstrated commitment to good governance. Reducing global poverty creates a more stable, secure world with more opportunities for economic growth at home and abroad.