(As prepared for delivery)
Mrs. First Lady of Argentina Fabiola Yañez, Officials of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Argentina, Governors and provincial authorities, members of the Armed Forces, diplomats, distinguished guests, good evening! It’s a pleasure to be with you tonight to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Thank you for being here! Thanks to Ivan, and everyone who made this event possible.
In my country, we celebrate the 4th of July with barbecues, fireworks, concerts and time with family and friends. But not only that. It is also important to use this day to reflect on values such as democracy, freedom, and our responsibility as citizens. I think I am very lucky to represent my country in Argentina, a nation that shares these values. And we have shared them in all of the 200 years of our bilateral relationship and friendship that we celebrate this year.
We can see the fruits of 200 years of work in many areas: educational exchanges, protection of human and labor rights, strengthening of democratic institutions, innovations in health, agriculture, space exploration, energy and technology. We cooperate on many interesting projects, and I want to say thank you to everyone who makes them possible.
President Biden said in his meeting with President Fernandez at the White House that the U.S. government is committed to a long-term relationship. We believe in the power and potential of our bond. And we seek to make it grow every day. This is clear from all high-level visits and the daily work of the Embassy.
In my travels throughout the country, I witness Argentina’s talented human capital, natural resources and productive capacity. Also, the ingenuity, generosity and pride of its people. That’s why I believe that, among many other things, we can help alleviate the global challenges created by Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine by providing food and fuel to the world.
Today is a happy night, but I cannot fail to mention the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We will continue to work with Argentina and other nations of the world to end the aggression and violation of human rights by Russian forces.
Argentina and the United States have done great things together and we can do even more. All of you are going to be part of the next 200 years of friendship between our countries and we will create a safer and more prosperous world.
Thank you for celebrating with us the independence of the United States and 200 years of friendship between the United States and Argentina. Wendy and I hope you enjoy tonight!