President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and people of the United States of America on the auspicious occasion commemorating the 240^th Independence Anniversary of that country.

July 4 is celebrated annually in the United States of America as a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the 13 American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf, in the message to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama, extended heartfelt congratulations and sincere best wishes to the Government and people of the United States of America, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name.

“As the people of the United States celebrate another milestone in their nationhood, we entertain the hope that the close ties of friendship and mutual cooperation subsisting between our two countries will be further cemented, as we continue to build on ongoing cooperation and explore new areas for potential collaboration,” the Liberian leader stressed.

President Sirleaf indicated that in the aftermath of the Orlando shooting on June 12, 2016, the Liberian Government remains committed to standing with the American Government to combat the threat of international terrorism and work towards the advancement of democracy and sustainable economic development.

“The recent visit of the United States First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, to Liberia and the Congressional delegation that will follow a few days later,” the Liberian leader said, “further demonstrate the deep friendship and cordial relations subsisting between the two countries.”

She then prayed that the Almighty God will continue to grant President Obama wisdom and good health, and for the people of the United States, the blessing of peace, cohesion and prosperity.