U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY

On the Occasion of the Republic of Cape Verde's National Day

On behalf of all Americans, I send my best wishes to Cape Verdeans as they celebrate 38 years of independence on July 5.

As a New Englander, I am keenly aware of the historic contributions of Cape Verdeans in America, and of the many binding ties that our people share.

As someone who represented Massachusetts for 30 years, I know that nothing links our countries more closely than the presence of half a million Americans of Cape Verdean descent, concentrated in southeastern New England where they began to settle in the 1700s.

With a common identity as nations of immigrants and entrepreneurs, we cherish freedom, democracy, and good governance. By providing renewable technologies and creating access to markets, we look forward to helping Cape Verde emerge as a global leader in energy independence and as an ideal place to grow and invest.

The United States is a proud partner of Cape Verde, which has become one of Africa's greatest political and economic success stories.

Our second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, worth over $66 million, is evidence of our abiding commitment to that relationship. We are also pleased with our expanding collaboration on a number of regional and maritime security issues.

The United States hopes to play an even stronger role as a friend and ally in achieving our common goals and enjoying greater benefits of peace and prosperity in the coming year.