US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks about Iran and North Korea after reading a statement at the State Department, on April 19, 2017. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images/AFP)
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulated Israel on its 69th Independence Day late Tuesday night.
“On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I am delighted to offer my congratulations to all Israelis as you celebrate your 69th Independence Day,” Tillerson said in a statement.
“As the President remarked before meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu in February, ‘the partnership between our two countries built on our shared values has advanced the cause of human freedom, dignity and peace.’
“As Israel has endured and flourished over nearly seven decades despite unfathomable challenges, so too has the unbreakable bond between our two nations,” he said, in contrast to his predecessor John Kerry, who stayed mum on the country’s birthdays.
Tillerson added that the “steadfast commitment” of the US to the State of Israel would “remain a constant.”
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“We look forward to even further strengthening a partnership that has long contributed to our mutual security and prosperity. I wish the people of Israel a Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach (Happy Independence Day),” he said.
Israeli Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion helicopters perform during an air show over the beach in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on May 2, 2017 as Israel marks Independence Day, 69 years since the establishment of the Jewish state. (AFP PHOTO / JACK GUEZ)
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