On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Belarus as you celebrate your Independence Day.

As Americans prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our own independence on July 4th, Belarusians commemorate July 3rd as a defining moment of liberation: the liberation of Minsk from Nazi occupation in 1944.

On this occasion, I extend my sincere wishes to the people of Belarus for a peaceful and prosperous future.