Seychelles National Day

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 17, 2013

On behalf of the government and the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and people of Seychelles on your twentieth anniversary on June 18.

As you celebrate this day, the United States looks back with you in pride on the long and productive relationship between our nations. We also look forward with you in hope for the continued success and development of Seychelles.

We appreciate the strong and effective role Seychelles has played in advancing maritime security in the region. Your nation's cooperation in combating piracy, especially in the incarceration and trial of suspected pirates, has led to a measurable reduction of this threat.

Our shared values of ethnic and religious tolerance, our common belief in the importance of a coordinated approach to regional challenges, and our mutual interest in closer economic and cultural ties will continue to unite us in the future.

The United States stands by you as a friend and partner. We wish all Seychellois a joyous National Day.