Clinton: Happy 45th birthday to Singapore!

Posted By P.J. Aroon Monday, August 9, 2010 - 12:24 PM Share

Secretary Clinton wishes all the people of Singapore a happy 45th National Day today. Below is the statement she released late last week. (Singapore, formerly a British trading colony, merged with the Malaysian Federation in 1963, but was voted out and became an independent country on Aug. 9, 1965.)

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Singapore on your 45th National Day this August 9. On this occasion, we honor the bonds of friendship between our two nations and reflect on all that Singapore has accomplished. As I reaffirmed on my recent visit to the region, the United States is committed to being an active partner in Southeast Asia. We value our close relationship with Singapore as a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the region and beyond, and we look forward to working together to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. I wish all Singaporeans, whether you fly your country's flag at home or abroad, a joyful celebration.

In the photo above,  taken day, a boy holds a Singaporean flag as he watches Air Force helicopters fly by during a celebration of National Day in Singapore.

ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images

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